Sleep enhancement for fibromyalgia

Unrefreshing or non-restorative sleep is reported in greater than 75% of fibromyalgia patients. One study reported abnormal stage 4 sleep patterns in fibromyalgia patients (33). Furthermore, clinically induced sleep deprivations can induce a fibromyalgia-like condition in normal adults.

Therefore, much attention has focused on enhancing sleep, particularly stage 4 sleep, and promoting good sleep "hygiene" is essential. Important sleep habits include:

• Establishing a regular sleep/wake cycle

• Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol and other drugs that may inhibit good sleep

• Minimizing stress is important, and appropriate stress reduction strategies need to be incorporated (such as aerobic fitness)

• When appropriate, medications to enhance sleep may be necessary (such as sedatives/hypnotics).