If you have fibromyalgia, how can you get into delta sleep without medication?

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year ago; my doctor discovered that a lot of my symptoms were caused by my body not reaching deep sleep during the night. I was put on Elavil (Amitriptyline) to assist in reaching the delta stage of sleep. However, due to the side effects, I no longer want to take the Elavil. I am sure there must be a way to train my body to enter deep sleep, but am not sure how to go about it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! :)

I've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Restless Leg Syndrome (also now possibly Lupus).

I was put on Amitriptyline as well, and then came off it because of the side effects.

My doctor prescribed me some sleeping pills, which I take only when I have a bad night of the RLS. I feel amazing in the morning. Like I'm a whole new person and I can actually function. You could speak to your doctor about this. The sleeping pills are addictive, but it's nice to have a good night sleep. I take one every two weeks or so.

I also have some herbal sleeping pills which contains Valeriana. The first night I took them, they were amazing but since then they've done nothing. But maybe worth a try. I got mine over the counter at the pharmacy.

I think it's important to have a structured sleeping pattern. I mean going to bed to sleep at the same time each night and waking up at the same time. I tried to go to sleep at 10 and waking up at 7.30. It did help a lot and my sleep was a lot more refreshing, but I didn't like having to wake up so early.

When you go to bed, don't eat or go on the computer or watch TV. Your bed should be for sleeping only, and reading if that helps you to fall asleep. You could also find some relaxing music.

Keep busy when you can. I know it's so hard when you're in a lot of pain and you're tired and have no energy, but do what you can. If you can manage a short 10 minute walk around the block once or twice a day, you should definitely try it. Go at your own pace. You could try swimming or aqua jogging as well. Just keep yourself busy so by the time your head hits the pillow you want to sleep.

Eat a well balanced diet. I've removed gluten from my diet. It's a pain, but I'm going to feel a lot better. Avoid caffeine and sugars as well. Drink plenty of water as well.

Good luck, you can email me if you like =]

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Fibromyalgia? Please research your symptoms on Lymenet, but bear in mind that false negatives are common and coinfections such as bartonella, babesia, mycoplasma, and ehrlichia often factor in.

When to Suspect Lyme:

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/romarkaraok...

Lymenet:

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb....

For your sleep difficulties, I would research this:

eSens:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/eSe...

Microwave Sickness - Electrical Sensitivity & Hypersensitivity:

http://www.ei-resource.org/illness-infor...

Chronic exposure to electromagnetic and microwave radiation (cell phone towers, wi-fi antennas, etc...) interferes with melatonin production.

Fibromyalgia is not caused by not getting deep sleep. It is true that many people who have Fibro have problems with sleep but some don't. My problems with sleep came a while after I was first diagnosed. If you don't get proper sleep your symptoms may and probably will be worse.

I have had fibro for over 12 yrs. I take Guaifenesin for my fibro. You have to learn how to take the med properly for it to work on fibro. Here is a book you need to get either from a library or you could get it at ebay or amazon cheaper than a bookstore.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia by
Dr. Paul St. Amand

Here is a website for more info and for an online support group for those who take guaifenesin...
www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com

It is not a cure and it is not a pain
med but it has allowed me to stop taking prescription pain meds. I used to take them constantly. Check it out.

Look at this link to a "how-to" by a Jeffrey Thompson, a doctor of chiropractic. He has a whole organization going on.

http://www.toolsforwellness.com/tb801cd....

The neuro drugs might help-

FMS has been believed to be a disaorder of the central nervous system fore about 10 years-drugs like Lyrica try to reorganize teh CNS-it is possible that it the CNS is organized you will get better sleep