The daily fatigue experienced by individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an overwhelming type of tiredness that affects their daily activities. It’s simply not the type of tiredness that you could ease with ample rest and sleep. Managing chronic fatigue is so much more that. However, if you take control of what causes your fatigue, you can begin to feel better again. CFS severely changes how you sleep, and reduced sleep quality is one of the most common challenges faced by CFS sufferers.
Sleeping Better with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Put simply, if you can manage to improve your sleep, you can also manage your symptoms, according to a renowned chronic fatigue treatment specialist in Albuquerque. He adds, though, that accomplishing this seemingly monumental task will vary from one person to another, but generally speaking, trying these strategies is the first step to get restful sleep:
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- Establish a sleep routine and try to stick with it. For example, try to sleep the same time every single day and wake up at the same time every single day.
- Use your bedroom strictly for intimate moments and sleep. Refrain from doing your work or hobbies and watching TV or Netflix inside your bedroom. Put down your smartphone or tablet.
- Get sufficient sunlight to help elevate your mood and keep you alert during the daytime.
Dealing with Daytime Fatigue
Some individuals with CFS also experience daytime fatigue, which makes it difficult for them to deal with their daily tasks due to poor concentration and tiredness. If you’re one of these people, consider the following tips:
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- Try to pace yourself. Individuals with CFS face more intense fatigue following periods when they’ve overworked or pushed themselves to the limit. To avoid this, figure out the level of activity you could comfortably manage without making you feel more fatigued.
- Get moving. Even walking around and stretching from time to time during the day would help give you ample energy during the daytime and help you sleep better at night.
- Manage your stress levels to avoid making you more fatigued due to constant worrying. You can try proven stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, visualization, journaling, and psychotherapy.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of veggies, fruits, and fluids. Avoid stimulants at least eight hours before bedtime. Consider working with a chronic fatigue specialist or nutritionist if you are worried that your diet might be making your fatigue worse.
- Consider medications. Ask your doctor for prescription medications that could help reduce fatigue.
- Get an accurate diagnosis (if applicable) of coexisting health problems. See your doctor to determine whether you also suffer from other health issues such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or a mental health problem that might be contributing to your symptoms or making them worse.
Poor quality of sleep and daytime fatigue are hallmarks of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, with perseverance, persistence, and patience, you can succeed and get your symptoms under control. Work with a specialist to explore all options to manage your condition for the best possible results.
