How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Your Sleep?

When we meet with patients who have fibromyalgia, one of the first things they often tell us is, “I’m always tired.” 

Even when you do everything to support sleep, you still wind up feeling drained the next day. 

That’s fibromyalgia disrupting your sleep cycles in the background — and those sleep problems can, in turn, make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

In this month’s blog, Dr. Raul Lopez and our West Texas Pain Institute team walk you through what’s happening in your body, why sleep is so hard with this condition, and what steps might help you finally rest better.

The pain-sleep relationship

Pain and sleep are (unfortunately) closely linked. Chronic pain makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, and poor sleep makes pain feel worse the next day. 

In the case of fibromyalgia, this cycle is especially strong. 

The widespread muscle and joint pain keeps the nervous system on high alert. Instead of winding down, your body is constantly signaling discomfort.

This means that even if you do sleep, it’s often lighter and less restorative, and you don’t get enough deep sleep, the stage that allows your muscles to repair, your brain to recharge, and your body to regulate hormones.

And without enough deep sleep, fatigue and pain become even more pronounced, and the cycle continues.

Other sleep disorders at play

In addition to non-restorative sleep, those with fibromyalgia are more likely to have other sleep disorders. Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia are common companions to fibromyalgia.

Any of these conditions on their own can interfere with rest — combined with fibromyalgia, they can feel overwhelming.

The role of stress and mood

It’s impossible to talk about fibromyalgia and sleep without mentioning stress, anxiety, and depression. If you have fibromyalgia, you’re at a much higher risk for these sleep- and health-disrupting emotional issues. Recognizing the role mood plays in sleep quality is an essential step in finding relief.

Strategies for better rest

There’s no single solution, but many of our patients find that a combination of approaches helps improve sleep. We offer a wide range of fibromyalgia treatments, including:

• Medication
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Regenerative medicine
• Massage and physical therapy
• Dietary adjustments
• Heat and cold therapies

In addition to our advanced treatment, we also walk you through strategies for getting more restful sleep. 

Start by establishing a consistent routine — going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

Make sure you’ve created a calming environment. Think of a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom free from all distractions.

Many of our patients benefit from gentle, calming activities, such as stretching, yoga, or walking, during the day, which can improve sleep quality over time. 

We also strongly encourage stress management. Mindfulness, deep breathing, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help calm the nervous system before bedtime.

The key is not expecting a quick fix. Improving sleep with fibromyalgia takes patience, and it often involves trying different strategies until you find the combination that works best for you.

Looking ahead

Fibromyalgia is challenging enough during the day — adding poor sleep on top of chronic pain makes life feel even heavier. But understanding the connection between fibromyalgia and sleep (and your overall health)  is powerful. Once you know what’s happening in your body, you can take steps to interrupt the cycle.

If you’re living with fibromyalgia and struggling with sleep, know that you’re not alone. Many patients face the same nightly battle. 

Talk with Dr. Lopez about what you’re experiencing. Working with our pain management specialists can lead to improvements not only in rest but also in pain, mood, and overall quality of life.

Remember, at the end of the day, better sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. For people with fibromyalgia, it’s a critical part of managing the condition and reclaiming energy for the things that matter most.

Ready to take charge of your health? You can schedule a consultation with our expert online or over the phone at our El Paso, Texas, office.