Researchers from Keele University in Staffordshire, England, recently found that adults over 50 years of age have non-restorative sleep (when you wake up feeling tired and worn out) that is strongly linked to the onset of widespread pain and fibromyalgia. In addition, the study concluded that anxiety, memory impairment, and poor physical health also attributed to a higher risk of developing this pain.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients can expect to get help for their condition in all aspects of their health. We understand how pain affects sleep patterns and are determined to not only find relief during daily activities, but to find relief during sleep hours. Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the leading pain group in Utah, with 4 locations spread across the state.
Experts say that over 4 million Americans over the age of 18 are affected by fibromyalgia. The cause and reason for the development of this condition is vastly unknown, as a number of factors can play a part. Widespread pain is the most common symptom associated with fibromyalgia, with sufferers often experiencing fatigue and long-term pain.
Dr. McBeth and his team assessed over 4,300 adults over the age of 50 who were pan free at the beginning of the study, and 2,700 participants who reported some, but not widespread, pain. The participants were required to fill out a questionairee that answered mental, physical, health, lifestyle, and health behavior questions. Following these individuals for three years, the researchers assessed the development of widespread pain.
At the three-year follow up, the researchers concluded that 19 percent of the participants reported new widespread pain, 25 percent reported some pain, and 8 percent reported no pain. The research team found that the strongest link to the development of widespread pain was specifically non-restorative sleep. Other factors of developing pain are anxiety and physical health.
The medical director of Arthritis Research UK, Professor Alan Silman, says, “Brainwave studies have shown that people with this condition often lose deep sleep. In an experiment where healthy volunteers were woken during each period of deep sleep, a number of them developed the typical signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia.”
The combination of sleep disturbance and anxiety make for a vicious cycle that can ultimately lead to fibromyalgia. For more information on treatments for pain and sleep disorders, contact your Southwest Spine and Pain physician today.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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