Chronic Fatigue System - How Does it Affect Sleep?

by Wendy Owen

Chronic Fatigue System - How does it affect sleep?

Or to turn it around - How does improving your sleep lessen the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Our aim here is to understand the connection between the two as it may be possible to confuse the symptoms of CFS and sleep deprivation. There are however definite differences.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Constant and persistent fatigue lasting 6 months or more

Feeling feverish

Sore throat

Muscle aches and pains

Bed Linen

It’s fun to buy bed linen especially when you’re able to purchase the entire ensemble together. Linens can transform a dull or dark bedroom into springtime. Comfort is an important consideration when purchasing bed linen, and if you know what the right numbers, mean you’ll be ahead of the game.

The important numbers are expressed as a thread count, meaning how many threads are used per square inch in the making of the bed linens. The thing to do is notice which thread count you’re most comfortable sleeping on, because the higher the thread count, the more expensive the sheets are.

Some people are perfectly comfortable sleeping on a thread count of 180. Others won’t sleep on anything less than a 300 or 400 thread count. Once you find your comfort zone, you’ll be able to shop smart for your bed linen.

The material will also make a difference, although most bed linen is made out of cotton or a cotton blend. Flannel sheets in winter are wonderful, while there’s nothing like satin sheets in the dead heat of summer.

A recent article in a national women’s magazine answered the question of how often one should change the bed linen. This particular source stated about every 2 weeks to prevent dust mites.

Comfort aside though, bed linen is fun to buy just because there is an incredible selection. Whatever color or pattern you have in mind, you’re likely to find it, and once you know which thread count to buy, you can find some incredible deals online.

There’s nothing that will ensure a better night’s sleep than sleeping on clean and fresh bed linen.

Tender or swollen lymph nodes

Joint pain

More headaches than usual

Abnormal lethargy after exercise

Poor concentration

Depression

Poor quality sleep

Although not everyone who suffers with CFS will display all of the above, two or more of these symptoms would definitely bear further investigation.

CFS often follows a bout of flu or other respitory disease. It occurs more frequently in middle age and twice as often in women as men.

CFS is a debilitating illness which is hard to diagnose due to the symptoms being non specific. Also the symptoms described by the sufferers often cannot be verified. For instance, patients often describe feeling feverish although their temperature is normal. Recent studies indicate CFS may in fact be an immune disorder.

There are medical practitioners who still believe it to be a disease of "malingerers". In fact some of those suffering with CFS often wonder sometimes if they are imagining their symptoms. But CFS is very real and can lead to broken marriages and wrecked careers.

It is very important for those who suspect they have CFS to seek medical attention straight away. If you feel your doctor is not taking you seriously, get a second and even a third opinion. It helps if you have been seeing the same doctor for some time, as they know you and can recognize that you are not a "hypochondriac" or a time waster looking for sympathy.

CFS is certainly not new, although the association of symptoms under the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome only took place in the 1990s. Previously it was largely overlooked or thought to be something else, for example low blood sugar, Lyme disease, allergies, fybromyalgia, yeast infections etc.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

These vary from antidepressants, steroids, immune system medications and anti-histamines to the more holistic treatments like evening primrose oil, diet therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, removal of dental fillings (mercury poisoning) and gentle exercise programs.

Although lack of a definite treatment for CFS leaves a lot to be desired, the above treatments, whether all or a combination, can prove fairly effective. The broad answer seems to be to treat the symptoms as they occur.

Therefore the quality of sleep of patients must have a direct effect on the severity of the disease. If depression is the main problem, treatment of that can significantly improve the quality of sleep, thus relieving somewhat the persistent fatigue.

A combination of better quality sleep with gentle exercise, optimal diet and cognitive behavioural therapy would go a long way to improving the lives of patients with CFS.

About the Author

Want to know how to have better sleep? Find out how. Check out http://www.insomnia-connection.com your resource for detailed information on better sleep and curing stress. The author, Wendy Owen, has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health as well as being an ex insomniac!

3 Surefire Ways To Cure Insomnia While Sleeping Less!

A Look at Platform Bed Frames

An Explanation on Murphy Bed Mechanism

Bedtime WIthout Battles

Comfort and Style for your Bedroom!

Site Map

Ever heard about the gift of ultimate wellness? Click here to check it out.

Custom Search

Click on flag for your chosen language:

Health Tips | Wellness Tips

Contact

Subscribe to FREE Tips - "Health Tips for You." Learn how to live a more energetic lifestyle! 18 Tips in 18 Days (our goal)

Health Tips: A to Z Wellness Articles

This site is for information purposes only. Never use it to diagnose illnesses or as a substitute for medical care.
Go to your doctor or other medical professional for health concerns.