Attacking sleep disorders can help
Why fibromyalgia sufferers lose out on deep sleep is not yet known. But patients have low levels of neurotransmitters seratonin and dopamine, both associated with sleep and the ability to tolerate pain.
Other possible sources for skipping deep sleep: fibromyalgia patients involuntarily wake themselves up, because they often suffer from associated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (momentary stoppages of breathing), restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable involuntary twitching), and bruxism (grinding of teeth).
Successfully treating these sleep conditions with medication can open up a whole new experience for longtime fibromyalgia sufferers: the experience of feeling awake and refreshed in the morning.
"I was very fortunate because there are now medications for restless legs syndrome, and that was one of the biggest problems keeping me awake," says Matallana. "If you don't have these things checked and treated, you will never get the quality of sleep you need."
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