Chronic Fatigue?

Question

For about 7 years now, I have had a lot of trouble getting sleep. I go through phases where I either don't sleep at all, I take 2-3 hours to fall asleep, and sometimes I fall asleep pretty quick. However, no matter how much sleep I get, I am ALWAYS exhausted, all day, every day. This is the biggest problem. I sometimes fall asleep at work when I am on hold, and I have nearly fallen asleep so many times driving home.

I've had many doctors say "it's chronic fatigue." I don't need a label, I need something to help. They always tell me to eat healthy, work out, etc. but I do these things and I have done this nearly all of my life. I had a sleep study done, but they were mostly testing for sleep apnea, which I knew I did not have. The only useful information that came out of the study is that I grind my teeth at night.

I have an appointment with a sleep specialist in a few weeks, but does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I've tried herbal things, but they never work.

Answer 1

I can relate. Despite the fact that you are "chronically fatigued" You may not actually have chronic fatigue as such. In the case of chronic fatigue which can result from a number of diseases such as glandular fever and ross river virus etc, You could get 10 solid hours of sleep every night, but still struggle for the energy required to tie your shoe laces. This type of chronic fatigue unfortunately just has to be waited out. Recovering from CFS resulting from Glandular fever, the sufferer should just try to take it easy. Vitamin B supplements can also help. While it can last for a couple of years, I would be very surprised for it to last 7 years

Fibromyalgia means (from greek) muscle pain. It's causes are many and varied, and most often result from strength imbalances. Yoga or pilates would help with that. While the pain can make it difficult to sleep, fibromyalgia is a symptom of a problem, not a problem in and of itself.

It sounds though, like you are exhausted from insufficient sleep. This too is a very debilitating condition. But the good news is it is possible to break the cycle. I do not know what you have already tried, so here goes.

1. Get a new bed. Obvious, but a top quality bed, with new pillows could be all it takes. if you don't already, sleep alone, at least for a while.

2. It sounds like you have a stressful job, and find it hard to unwind - hence the grinding of teeth in your sleep, a sign of stress and tension. Try taking up yoga. By setting aside the time to do yoga, you will both relax, and exercise. Vigorous exercise too close to bed time can prevent sleep, so yoga being strenuous yet slow could help. The movements of yoga also loosen up your body and get rid of the aches and pains that can interupt your sleep.

3. Routine. go to bed early, no matter what. Chill out to some white noise, and get up at the same time every day. don't lie in bed once you wake.

4. Try altering your diet. Eat fresh healthy food. It sounds a bit fringe, but experiment with a wheat free diet. Allergies to gluten, and lactose can develop later in life (I don't mean old age, just older than being a kid) and sufferers can experience the symptoms you describe. Nothing to lose by trying eh?

I know that this isn't the panacea you are looking for but I hope some of it helps. What you're feeling can drive you crazy I know, but you will get back to your bouncy younger self.

good luck

Answer 2

I am a teeth grinder too. I also don't sleep a whole lot at night and stay up late on the computer.
I was diagnosed with fibrimyalgia in college.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

It just plain stinks. There isn't a whole lot you can do. Maybe that site or others could help you. You definately could try cutting out caffeine and trying to go to bed earlier. But I know for me, it doesn't always work. Add kids and it is even worse because I get tired and cranky at them.

I tried sleeping pills-but then you sleep really deep and wake up feeing weird...almost like you don't remember.

Ask the doctors about fibromyalgia and see if it is a possibility. There are a few simple tests they can do to see if it is that.

Hope it gets better for you!

Answer 3

I also was diagnosed with fibromyalga in 1994 which was first diagnosed in high school as epstein bar syndrom or chronic fatique, the only thing that gives me a little relief is good vitamins and a high protein diet. give it a try and good luck at the sleep specialist.

Answer 4

This exact post was here the other day. Are you the same person?

Answer 5

GO TO BED