Specific sleep disturbances impact more than 70% of Fibro sufferers. Lack of (or poor quality) sleep leads to extreme fatigue and heightened adrenalin levels that amplifies pain levels and causes pain ‘flares’. Daytime elevation in pain makes it more difficult sleep, leading to yet more pain the next day and even less sleep the next night, and so the vicious cycle continues!
While insomnia is the sleep disorder most people worry about, there are other sleep disturbances that are commonly linked, including:
1. Sleep Apnea, which causes sufferers to stop breathing multiple times during the night.
2. Restless Leg Syndrome, which causes tingling in one or both legs that is only relieved by movement.
3. Migraines, which are triggered by adrenal stress which occurs after a prolonged period of poor sleep.
The real danger with sleep disorders is the impact on Fibro pain. Poor sleep = more adrenalin. More adrenalin = more pain and pain flares. One of the most critical parts of any Fibro or ME/CFS treatment protocol is addressing sleep disorders.
Improving the quantity and quality of sleep can dramatically improve pain relief, particularly as adrenal levels decrease. One of the most effective ways improve sleep is to take a compounded Melatonin as Troche. A ‘troche’ is a lozenge which is placed under the tongue to dissolve and is absorbed through the blood vessels in the cheeks. It relaxes within 10 minutes and takes affect within 30 minutes. Because it is a compound, sufferers don’t wake up feeling groggy.
So, if you or someone you love is finding it hard to get a good night rest, contact Elixir today. We offer complementary face-to-face and phone consultations where we can discuss your individual symptoms and provide advice on a treatment protocol that’s right for you.
