Sleeping as a fibromyalgia sufferer

Sleeping with fibromyalgia isn’t easy, but you can try these tips to see if they help.
Find out more about how to optimise your sleep and check out these 5 healthcare sleep interventions for a better night's sleep:
www.levitex.co.uk/5-healthcar...

[@evegreen7604]

I have fibromyalgia and sleep is such a big problem

[@dmm6341]

As soon as you said muscle fibres can switch off...."YOU UNDERSTAND"!!!😮😂❤

[@RecreatingBecca]

the pillows between the knees or under the knees is a life saver.

[@dotcassilles1488]

As someone with Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Bipolar spectrum disorder and a chronic back injury, I sleep with my back propped up on a pile of pillows (half sitting and half laying). on the bad days I lay with a pillow under my legs and more against or under the side of my body and the leg that is hurting the most. I guess what I'm saying is have lots of pillows/body support that you can adjust to help the pain ease. Don't be afraid to reorganise the pillows or your bedding to support your needs and wiggle about as much as you need to. I sleep in parts of 2 hours maximum duration and try to get 5 repeats per 24 hour cycle. I hope and pray that we are all able to get the sleep we need to heal/restore our bodies as much as possible. Typing this in the middle of a pain flare-up so forgive if I've made obvious mistakes. Blessings from South Eastern Australia, Dot

[@jennifertustin6629]

As someone with Ehlers Danlos, Fibromyalgia, dysautonomia and Epilepsy thank you.

[@salmaalosta6906]

My heart with you from Libya... a someone with fibromyalgia

[@NANov5]

💜🙏💜...🇬🇧

[@whothewhatification]

Try keto or carnivore it's been helpful

[@jennifertustin6629]

@@whothewhatification I’m a vegan but I could try keto

[@qs-ii1872]

I’ve been doing the leg pillow thing for ages, sounds small but has helped with a massive chunk of my sleep related pain.

[@nicole77177]

i’ve just started doing it, for you was pain normal the first few days? the pain in my legs and back feels worse

[@qs-ii1872]

@@nicole77177 It never felt worse for doing it for me, then again rather or not your sleep on your side or back likely change it. You could be in the middle of a big flare up, or you might have pain near the area due to too much pressure being on specific trigger point… Sometimes pain feels like one specific body part is hurting, while originating from another area entirely. Maybe try adjusting your elevation of various body parts/trying out pillows that or either ore or less firm then what you typically go with.

[@nicole77177]

@@qs-ii1872 thank you this really helped, i just found out i have fibromyalgia and i have absolutely no idea what do to

[@auntietimka]

Same here. The pillow has been helping a lot.

[@glynnisthomas9165]

I sometimes don't sleep for 24 to 38 hours because I have to always be distracting myself from the pain. I hate gabapentin and I'm allergic to Lyrica and nothing shuts off the pain anyway. When I am in a fibro flare up I just have to wait until my brain makes me pass out because as long as I am awake my body is spasming and aching in pain not letting me fall asleep. It's horrible.

[@kristieangel5682]

The struggle is definitely real. 😢

[@millzie.]

Amen

[@aboutnanded]

Jay Shree Krishna..

[@Oakcitymedia]

We’re believing God for a miracle he’s going to heal. Let us learn and grow from having this, no one knows the pain and and shoulder pain and such, but we are praying and continuing to take care of our health, by nutrition, and strength

[@barbarajordan3145]

On your back, but propped up on pillow shoulders and head.

[@paulluckey6997]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJvWpqiKgr95nMk&ab_channel=KenDBerryMD

[@therealawakener7]

The pillows under your head are the most important thing so that your neck is in a neutral position while sleeping. The secret is to use 2 thin pillows with a folded bath towel underneath that you can scrunch up a little under your neck cavity for extra support.

[@genrod-gal7265]

I fall asleep at 1:30am and wake up at 3-4:30 (not being able to fall back asleep. In the morning I cannot wake up at all. It’s a nightmare 😢 I’m self employed and it’s really starting to affect me now for early appointments. (I’ve forgotten appointments, I’m late 😭 I hate fibromyalgia

[@WendyHannan-pt7ez]

That’s sounds just like my life, except I’m retired. I feel for you , it’s hard.

[@heavysmoke4202]

My mother works crazy hard in the cleaning business back breaking work , she has fibromyalgia and arthritis her best help is medical Marijuana but in edible form like gummy THC she gets relief of 16 hours after every two gummy’s if anyone sees this I hope it helps 🙏🏽 also it helps sleeps peacefully during the night my mother says she wakes up feeling good

[@jessmattingly6098]

I was just reading up on this. I was sent a link from a specialist at a medical school for rare cases. He sent me a link to a dr who specializes in fibromyalgia and they specifically noted that gummies are the best form if you were to use a med card. When using it for pain relief, you aren't trying to achieve a high, so that gives you the best form of pain relief over a long period of time. Rather than smoking where you just get an immediate head high and the pain relief effects go away just as quickly. He also noted to look for ones higher on CBD than THC again to achieve pain relief rather than the high effects of THC. I actually found a lot of their information incredibly eye opening. One of the major things they say to do is to avoid pushing yourself too hard when you have a good day, because that will come back to bite you and cause more pain. I know personally that's incredibly hard advice to follow because there's always more to do

[@sherryyarger3753]

As a fibromyalgia side sleeper that also has osteoarthritis and bone spurring also now in my hips, I also take a muscle relaxer and anti anxiety prescription to help me sleep. Have had both knees and one shoulder replaced and now hip spurring is getting bad and even with an adjustable bed and pillows, I have to change to another side off and on during the night, but wake up and can barely walk now, as I have had sciatica for 15 months at this point. It's wearing me down.

[@kfrausto]

I hope you get some kind of relief. God bless you.

[@MeMyself984]

❤❤❤

[@KateLate____]

What caused your bone spurs? Spondyloarthritis?

[@isabelniki9789]

Be aware those meds especially the anti anxiety deplete nutrients that help ease pain naturally and especially anti anxiety meds cause mental deterioration if taken like that regularly.

[@inezzbeadz]

I too have sever sciatica both hips right worse. Going to physical therapy now, stay away from sugar. No relief yet, but they sy to stretch, it's painful. Wish u healing soon

[@kristincox4041]

I basically “built” my bedding from scratch. Layering it with different sponges and toppers. I also sleep with a C-shaped pillow; they are designed as a pregnancy pillow but it’s great for sleeping with fibro. Tho I still have to reposition often. I also have various medications for pain but it’s still there, always humming in the background.

[@Andpistolsgirl]

You hear humming or you were referring to the pain lingering?

[@jocelyne5276]

Same. I also use Microfiber fitted bed sheets because they don't pile. The bobbles on the sheets hurt me

[@SanitizeR_OW]

I do these things - esp laying on your back and put a pillow down at your knees. The hard thing is that I move so much (legs mainly) that I have a phone arm hold my phone above me so I can fall asleep to KZbin or a movie. This works well because I focus on the media and let myself dift off when I can. Although, I still have nights (last night actually) that I'm up till 5am and there isn't a thing I can do to help myself. Bottom line - fm is a struggle in everything you do each day. Everything.

[@DC-xi6gd]

Aww. It's clear he's sincere.

[@LaCakemaker]

Fibro sucks. Very painful.

[@orionh7201]

The worst part of my pain is that my arms and hands are a big reason why sleeping is hard. If im on my side, i can't bend my arm, or it'll go numb. And if im on my back, I have to make an effort to keep my arms from going above my head and going numb. I do use the pillow for both ways of sleeping already too

[@Divine777Love]

I have and I have noticed that it’s flaring up because the way i sleep! I needed this thank you!

[@RandomPerson-js3rc]

This makes so much sence. I do need to feel secure in my environment. I realize that when I'm not I tend to tense up.

[@kid-ava]

sleeping with a pillow or folded blanket in between knees is the way to go❤

[@slm777mm]

Thanks a lot! This is exactly what I do

[@karolinedemon]

Oh my god i have it and no matter what i do there seems to be no relief but thanks for bringing the topic up

[@MysCathy]

It’s the same for me. I’ve been suffering with fibromyalgia for 20+ years with no relief in sight. I’ve tried many medications and either they don’t work or I’m allergic to them, muscle relaxers don’t do anything for me and even my anxiety medication doesn’t help me get any sleep. It’s like being in a living hell.

[@clairebear1808]

I have the butterfly pillow and it has been a tremendous help. I also have the knee pillow it helps as well.

[@bz5674]

I sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs, one pillow underneath my upperarm/arm pit and when its a really bad day a small pillow beneath my upper hand to relax my wrist. And wear comfortable ear buds and sleep is a lot better that way.

[@rrjesuslovesu]

My best sleep happens in a semi upright position, in a recliner. I haven’t been able to sleep comfortably in a bed for the past 15 years, tho I have tried many times. I will wake every 15-30 mins laying in our bed & believe me, we have tried a number of beds, water, sleep #, soft, medium, temprapedic w/cooling gel & our most recent, which I can’t even remember the name of. I wished we had spent the extra $1000. to have the dbl reclining function(which makes it a king size bed) but than I wouldn’t bother my husband when I move around. LOL. Next time, I guess. 😅

[@alexisasheep6554]

The only comfortable way for me to sleep is on my belly but even then I have to switch sides bc I've yet to find a pillow that doesn't kill my neck. It's wonderful whenever I'm really hurting and need to get up for the toilet or something, that's basically the only time I'm about to cry from frustration

[@KateLate____]

Omg yes I would love to sleep on my belly, but it just ruins my neck.

[@lindahughes5781]

I have had fibromyalgia for 30 years. I have terrible osteoarthritis and just had a total knee replacement. This was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I had to give back under anesthesia for a procedure to try and give me a better range of motion. All that extra pain for nothing. My whole body is on fire. I barely got to 110 bend and it is suppose to be 120-130. My insurance would not pay for anymore PT. My doctor thinks I am not trying and have no pain tolerance to get better. I wake up after tossing and turning and end up sleeping on my stomach. I just don't know how to explain the pain and everything else to the surgeon. I gave up and cancelled my last appointment. Good luck to all. I hope you do better than I am.❤❤❤

[@fionaclark4346]

I don’t know if this will be any help, but my daughter had a minor trip, five years ago, and a week later she had such severe pain in one knee, she has not been able to weight-bear on it since. Eventually, about six months later, it was diagnosed as complex, regional pain syndrome (CRPS). An orthopaedic surgeon told her that because she’d had M.E./CFS for 25 years at that point, and her mother (me) had fibromyalgia, She would have a propensity for developing CRPS, especially with traumatic experiences in her past having primed her system. CRPS often develops postsurgically, so it might be worth your while looking into it, because there might be treatments that can help you. Good luck!😊

[@marianayeager7715]

Yes! This is exactly what I do every night!

[@cryssfibrochronicles]

Brilliant. Thank you for this video.

[@allgunsblazed9106]

I ran out of my meds recently and sleep is impossible.

[@katinasensing4627]

I have 3 autoimmune diseases, 2 blood diseases, every kind of osteoarthritis, severe migraines, severe chronic pain, and almost 20 more diagnosis

[@sparklemotion8377]

I use a pregnancy pillow and other pillows to keep it in place. I have put railing on both sides to keep everything from falling off. I have to prop up both my knees and elbows. My bed looks like a toddler having a sleepover and building a fort.

[@denisepolley7389]

😂😂😂 me too...I see beautiful beds and bedding and my own bed/sofa is just a pain pit full of messy pillows and cosy things...😔

[@sparklemotion8377]

@@denisepolley7389 There is nothing I can do to make it look decent no matter how matching the colours are. I hate using my recliner because I need pillows that keep falling off. Yet I keep getting pains just from laying there. Pains that runners get from running....

[@msudawgma]

I was diagnosed a decade ago and am figuring out now I have myofascial pain, not fibromyalgia. God Bless ALL!

[@aprilcarlson08]

My mom has been sleeping like this for several years. I hate seeing her in pain.

[@marilizeblignaut2804]

Sad that I knew these already 😮

[@lucyb7929]

Same here. I have SO much trouble sleeping, even when exhausted, so take pain med and use pillows as he suggests.

[@Rollwithit699]

You're right, lying on back with pillow under knees works great for my back for about a minute before the occipital neuralgia kicks in from lying on my back with head on low pillow. Must move quickly before that burning pain spreads up back of scalp and triggers the migraine problem.

[@user-xd2ml8dn9h]

I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, back and left knee injury. And a pinched nerve that affects my hands and fingers. I use these methods It does help

[@samanthaherbert3876]

Fibromyalgia is killing me 😢😢😢

[@RoxyKatGlass]

Same!

[@RoxyKatGlass]

Hugs

[@analuisahering2043]

I call going to sleep my "second shift". It's such hard work and I wake up more tired than when I went to sleep

[@Jakesmusings]

God, I do all these things, been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, yet listening to him talk about it just hits me like it’s finally real to me, I live with fibromyalgia

[@aanavigouchwal1023]

im 15 and I have been having all the fibromyalgia symptoms for months (if not years). today I went to the doctor to talk about these symptoms and he just laughed it off making fun of me.

[@RoxyKatGlass]

Switch doctors immediately! That’s medical gaslighting

[@lillianrivera-kv1wh]

I ‘m so sorry that your doctor did that like Roxy said change your Dr right away my family has tell me I don’t look sick if only for one day they could be in my shoes

[@TheMaryConway]

I did all these thinks, but pain was to high. Within the last 8 months I’ve been taking magnesium glycinate at night after soaking in epsom salts. TOTAL difference. (I also take magnesium threonate in the morning). I rarely have a bad night anymore after20 years.

[@jessierichards9294]

Yesssss thank you. This is how I sleep and if it’s not just right it’s days to recover in all ways lol.

[@laurenwatson7501]

For past 6 years ... The electric recliner is the knly wash I can sleep!, with two small side pillows snuggled both hips... Absolutely waking up with no trouble, no issues. I cannot sleep in the bed!🤷 Movement while sleeping in a bed causes too much pain; I must remain stationary... Do what works for you!

[@danplantman62]

Because of Fibro and ankolosing spondylitis I has to end up going on disability because of the all over pain and over sensitivity to cold or hot,skin burning,every muscle and tendon hurts to even put any pressure on any of them.The sleep thing is another.Rightside leftside wake up from my back feeling like I have had a bad fall and fell on my back.I worked night shift for 18 yrs so that don't help.Does anyone else have periods of sensitivity to light even on a bright cloudy day or go into a business like Walmart and get dizzy and very fatigued .And also I heard a lot of people with fibro have stomach issues.

[@janetomes6243]

I have very bad light sensitivity and dizziness..but have decades of migraines..which are related to fibromyalgia somehow

[@KateLate____]

I'm interested - now you have AS, why do you keep using the fibromyalgia diagnosis? Is it because some of your symptoms can only be described as fibro? My understanding is fibro is a diagnosis of exclusion, so once someone figures out your have spondy, fibro is no longer relevant. I'm going through the same thing myself. Love to hear your thoughts

[@karenharvey2549]

Helpful. I sleep in this position.

[@WhatTheHe11isTHAT]

Thanks very much mate 👍

[@lauradesmarais2044]

Thank you so much❤

[@carawilson2571]

Thank you

[@winniehernandez2805]

Thank you gor your hood advice.

[@darlenemscott]

Excellent! Sleeping with the pillow under the knees really works

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

That’s exactly what I do. I can’t sleep without my pillows. I wake up at least every hour to two hours in pain. I have to get up and stretch and then go back and lay down.

[@harlequinhead2008]

Thank u so much for this video - extremely helpful.

[@steveryan7786]

I sleep deep a lot but I seem to get no benefit from it at all,I’m always in pain,just trying to get through the day.I’m losing hope trying to stay in this world,everyone else seems to have a reason.more pain isn’t enough for me

[@daniellefree7971]

I have Fibromyalgia. I sleep on my side my hip hurt to the point i can't walk. Sleep on my back my low back hurts to even move any part of my body. I am going to try the pillow thing and see.

[@gramscab]

I get injections in my hips and shoulders front and back from my Rheumatologist. ( Depomedrol)

[@rrayeclart7716]

Aww love this it’s so true 😊

[@katinasensing4627]

I can't sleep. I have both kinds of insomnia because of Fibromyalga. I've had 3 hours of sleep in 4 days. I'm so exhausted. I'm in a second study because my Fibromyalga score is already 91😢

[@miamyos]

I use a pregnancy pillow, I've put it "upside-down" so I can adjust my pillow-pile to side-sleep or back-sleep, side-sleep using two pillows on top of each other and back-sleep with one of the pillows supporting my upper back. I put my legs on top of the pregnancy pillow while sleeping on my back and between my legs when side-sleeping. I still wake up when I have to turn because sleeping too long in one position will start being painful after a while. Side-sleep puts pressure on my hip, thigh and shoulder and back-sleeping makes my neck hurt. I can't sleep on my back without having my head turnt to the side. Sleeping partially on my stomach can work sometimes but since I've gained a lot of weight due to emotional eating and not being able to move enough due to pain and exhaustion it's become increasingly uncomfortable because my breasts have become too big and can't handle the pressure... I'd love to be able to sleep in one of those floating therapy devices...

[@Glimmmerra]

everyone is different

[@maybememory1]

100%! Personally, recently buying an Endy mattress has helped. I’m still in pain throughout the day, but I can actually sleep a bit better at night now.

[@miNx2.1]

i always put pillows under my legs just like when he lay down since i was a kid because I can't sleep at night without it and every morning I get severe headaches, body pain and i hate eating breakfast. now I'm an adult i still put pillows under and drinking coffee every morning was the only remedy for my morning headaches and bring my appetite for breakfast but the problem is after that it'll make me so sleepy again and need a little nap to get function again and if ever I can't take a nap, it'll be over after 3 hrs fighting the urge to sleep then it'll be normal for me to function again 😢

[@user-ql9nz5ul1h]

I do both of these!

[@daveriggins5475]

I drink plenty of alcohol... I don't recommend it... but at least I sleep

[@mandyharrison3799]

My hips are giving me much pain. I can't sleep on my back. I bought a mattress topper but it's not fixed the problem. I will invest in leg pillow. Failing that I may have to sever my legs! The discomfort is real. Wishing you all a good night's rest!

[@michaelbressette2599]

I suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica & Rheumatoid Arthritis & various spinal issues & a displaced hip. I sleep with 4 pillows sometimes 5 to stabilize me while I sleep otherwise I find I either cant get off the bed or I wake up with really bad headaches & body pain. I always sleep with a pillow between my legs so I don't get knee knock & hip pain during my sleep cycle & I always have a fan on for white noise, but also to keep the air moving around me,

[@rickyberry531]

I sleep like that every night and it's the only way I can sleep but I have about 10 pillows and memory foam cushions too and I'm still in agony but it does help the pressure.

[@mophead5132]

Brilliant

[@user-eo9qd8zx4w]

Dr emuakhe is an epitome of good treatment,the doc has every criteria to human health..

[@dianaedwards3408]

I sleep on a large air mattress that way I can adjust it to just the way I like it

[@maralynfarber2068]

If you don’t sleep well, try a “yoga nidra” relaxation (KZbin) the next day. Or you can do the yoga nidra before bed. Yoga nidra is profoundly relaxing & healing.❤️It quiets the busy mind.

[@michele21auntiem]

i sleep on my side on a couch with memory foam padding under me, pillow between knees. memory foam neck pillow too.

[@simplydepressed]

I can only fall asleep on my back it's still painful but i feel a bit relief when i slowly stretch my back and legs

[@debrandw246]

The pillow is essential

[@carmenzatrujillo7688]

Thank you for sharing this tips with us! I do appreciate it 👍

[@couchdetectivesunite2740]

When I sleep good, I feel like a supermodel while walking my dogs❤❤

[@katearnold7127]

I have to sleep on my back, if I don't I always wake up with a stiff back or a pulled muscle or something. I have a very good mattress and pillow as well.

[@susievidal4134]

At night I sleep with two pillows and at an angle to let my sinuses drain

[@MelanieButson]

Its not the hip thats on top that hurts. Its the hip im lying on

[@RobynLambert-lo2nh]

I have fibromyalgia and I know sleeping flat is good for me but i have bad acids reflux so have to sleep with 4 pillows practically sitting up it hurts but I either chose the fibro pain or sickness from the acid

[@soulTraveller144]

so a firm mattress is better as if it sinks too much it causes more problem but then what if it is making someone wake up with their body going numb? esp if sleeping om the side.. does that mean a firm mattress with some kind of specialist mattress topper? like a gel one on something? also what cushion is best to not make the neck cracked up in wrong position as every one I've seen that says its for neck problems is too hard and thick and stuff

[@Serenity-vn5on]

Try going full carnivore to clear up that fib pain. The pain stems from oxalates that are in vegetables

[@mcadoovicky6465]

I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but I also have insomnia and have been taking medication to sleep for years. Otherwise, I don’t think I would sleep at all.

[@Wheelswheelchairgirl]

I sleep on a profiling bed as i have more than Fibromyalgia and have to sleep on my side luckily i have an air mattress .... i also have RA and OA . DDD. and hip dysplasia none of these allow me to sleep properly

[@dainybernstein4751]

Does this apply to those with female body structure too? I find my hips react differently and create a curve in my spine when I try that side position.

[@freebird4603]

Every night struggle!😢

[@tinasaner4880]

That's why I sleep with 3 pillows. Use to be 4. But I wish I could sleep on my back.

[@eleanormelanson8501]

What about when it hurts so bad you can’t move so you’re stuck in one position for six hours?

[@glorialoyola8855]

Yes has fibromyalgia is live like nightmares just God can help us to hill and taking medicine for pain especially at night time God help us who has this painful I’ll holding God and our Virgen Mary hands we are their children and they are always be with us when we suffer

[@kathrynburgess7836]

Wow it's not just me.. i use a pillow between my knees which does help. I haven't been able to figure out what type of mattress i need. I normally get up and try to go to sleep almost upright on the sofa. My husband calls it my nest .

[@denisepolley7389]

Tempur memory matress

[@Linda-jj1sj]

Cut out sugar and carbs ..it will help dramatically

[@neko-tamachan2596]

Oh thank god - thanks so much Im taking amitriptyline 50mg for migraine prevention and i wake up 10 times a night regardless of this dose....sleep is nice - i also have to have a lot of pillows because i have GORD

[@omerengin3193]

Take a good sleep or not you wake up tired. Always.

[@dianasaur2131]

I've found these positions myself. However the best nights sleep I had was in a bb with a bed that was very soft, and I didn't know, even on waking, where I was in space, like I was floating. I wish I'd asked what mattress they had.

[@naturewitch8687]

I get pain in both hips when I lie on my sides 😢

[@nidhisindhwani9871]

Same plz guide

[@daisysunshine1324]

Having degenerative disc disease + fibro = what’s sleep??

[@ingridpatchouli3257]

Im still not sure I have it but I already used those technics to get a better sleep when I have a “Flare up” , so it’s another thing that make me think it can be that. Do you have any suggestions for the shoulders, elbow, wrists ? Shoulders and neck are to me the difficult to relax..

[@needles1975]

#Fibromyalgia Daily Self-Help Cure Recipe: TLCs, R&Rs, DIY Acupuncture, MH6 Mental Health 6, SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclics antidepressants, Antiseizure, Speed, and Tranquilizers.

[@sweetlaughter78]

"sufferer" to " survivor"

[@anjalianangamanjari]

Thank you for the video .actually, having fibromyalgia muscle pain so much that I could not exercise, but I found a way with a new technology that awake my inner doctor with the help of redox molecules cells communications in my body now start to work and regenerate…. It works after years I can now stretching without that feeling of inflammation….and join pain is better my gut does not hurt anymore and I can digest better cause I also took an amazing probiotic product…. My blood circulation and immune system start to be restored …If someone want to know more i can help with more informations…

[@shannondaberkow9313]

Yes I do! I'm currently working with weight management and having the sleeve surgery in September! I'm hoping it helps me with exercises, just to be able to move!

[@denisepolley7389]

Ohhhhh I spend the whole night finding 'the' position with a mess of soft furry blankets and pillows. I end up on the sofa, legs akimbo and pass out with tiredness if I'm lucky.