Patients with Fibromyalgia experience poor slow-wave-sleep; lack of this slow-wave-sleep is known to increase a person’s susceptibility to pain. Many studies have shown that improving this part of sleep can drastically decrease pain. New medications have assisted in improving patients’ sleep, resulting in a normal, healthy life. Also, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and morning Headaches/Migraines can be the result of repetitive sleep disruptions during the night.

Whether it’s complete pauses in breathing, or the subtle events of UARS, treating the causes of disruptive sleep can result in uninterrupted peaceful sleep, providing resolution of Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Migraines. Studies have demonstrated that a medication, sodium oxybate (Xyrem), works in the treatment of Fibromyalgia, although this is an off label use of the drug. What the studies suggest is that the medication enhances the patient sleep, possibly by enhamced Slow Wave Sleep, which in turn improves pain control thus reducing Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Dr. Simmons and his team at CSMA understand the relationship between pain and poor sleep and treat patients with Fibromyalgia by improving sleep.

Further Reading:

Newsweek March 2010 Sleep Disorders Segment.
Treating sleep problems improves conditions (including Fibromyalgia) not typically considered by most physicians.

Poor Sleep is Frequently at the Root of Fibromyalgia
Medical Matters News, June 29, 2010 article: Victoria Wright, Sadler Clinic.