Fibromyalgia Tip: Skip the Caffeine

Stress has both a physical and psychological component. And guess what? Caffeine intensifies both. Your heart pounds faster with caffeine, your central nervous system becomes stimulated, and you become more anxious, nervous, and sleepless as you consume caffeine. So much for the physical. The mental symptoms of stress include anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness.

For better sleep health, stay away from caffeine from late afternoon onward. And remember the common sources of caffeine: Coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda.

Fibromyalgia Tip: ‘Me Time’ is Crucial

Life can become enormously stressful and complicated for fibromyalgia patients. That's why taking time for yourself each and every day is a legitimate and necessary part of treatment for your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Try relaxing with a hobby, or put on favorite music. You may simply need rest. Whatever it is that puts you in a better mood, make sure you do it each day. Saving some time for this sort of rest and fun will help you in many ways. You may

• find your life more completely balanced,
• discover that you have less stress, and
• have more energy for the challenges of your everyday life.

Fibromyalgia Tip: Ease Symptoms at Work

Fibromyalgia doesn't take a break, and neither do you. Unfortunately the pain and other symptoms of this condition don't disappear just because the work day has begun. But you can find treatments to ease the most frustrating symptoms as you power through your workday.

Start by designing a flexible work plan that you and your boss agree on. That could mean working from home part of the time, or setting your office hours differently—either earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

If you work in an office, try arranging things to put less stress on your body. You can start by arranging the items on and around your desk for easy use. Some products may be of benefit, such as headphones for a telephone, a tray for your keyboard, or one of many other products that can help you experience less stress. Your ongoing health may depend on it.

Fibromyalgia Tip: Don’t Overdo It

Because health problems related to fibromyalgia are invisible, patients may feel added pressure to carry on like nothing is wrong. But if your body is aching and stiff, you owe it to yourself to prioritize and pace yourself.

Think about what you sign up for. Evaluate those tasks. Will they keep you away from the rest, relaxation, and exercise that helps ease your symptoms? Are they just too much to fit into your busy day? Don't be afraid to say no when you feel overwhelmed.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Get Some Sleep

One of the most frustrating complaints fibromyalgia patients have is poor sleep. The symptoms of the condition can make sleeping more difficult, and lack of quality sleep intensifies the symptoms, leading to a potentially vicious cycle of sleeplessness and pain. Sometimes the solution will become clear after you take stock of your own sleep habits. Sometimes a sleep study test can be helpful. Ask yourself if the following common problems could be affecting your sleep:

• Disturbing noises (that includes loud snoring from others)
• Going to bed with worries on your mind
• Consuming caffeine soon before bed
• Spending little or no time winding down before bed
• Sleeping in a space that is too bright, too hot, or too cold
• Failing to stick to a sleep schedule

There are solutions to each of these problems. For instance, if you find yourself stressed out and worried before bed, try setting aside some time each night to contemplate your worries. Sit down, think over the problems that may run through your mind as you fall asleep, write them down, and also write down solutions to those problems. Then, when those thoughts return to you as you try to fall asleep, tell yourself, “it's already dealt with. I don't need to worry. I have a plan for that.”

Fibromyalgia Tip: Write It Down

To take charge of fibromyalgia, every fibromyalgia patient should try keeping a daily journal of symptoms and mood changes, along with the events and activities that accompany them. Keep a list of your medications, and when you miss a drug dose, keep track of that too. Over time, you will develop a clearer picture of what is likely triggering your fibromyalgia symptoms, which can make it easier for your doctor to treat your pain and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia Tip: Support Groups

Want to know what treatments have worked for others battling fibromyalgia pain and fatigue? Try joining a support group. A support group may be in-person or online, but in either case you will find a safe space to discuss frustrations, concerns, and your overall health with people dealing with the same medical problems. Find out what medicines have been effective for people like you. Learn how other patients treat their symptoms, and find out what works and what doesn't.