Fibromyalgia Health Center

Patients with fibromyalgia have chronic fatigue that leads to stress and sleep disturbances. Helping patients know how to live healthier lives is critical for reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing energy, and decreasing pain.

Healthy living and self-care consists of a program to:

• reduce stress
• sleep well
• exercise regularly
• eat healthy
• manage symptoms

Reduce Stress

Avoid situations that cause you stress. Take time to relax. Learn relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, and meditation.

Sleep Well

• Go to bed early.
• Avoid caffeine, especially before going to bed.
• Get a comfortable mattress.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Exercise Regularly

• Stretch when you wake up.
• Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling can be very helpful.
• Exercise regularly for at least 3 half-hour sessions per week.
• The first few times you exercise, you may feel pain. With time, pain will become less severe.

Eat Healthy

• Avoid caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and candy.
• Take vitamins under your doctor’s supervision or eat vitamin-enriched cereals.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• If you smoke, quit!

Manage Symptoms

Treat symptoms as they arise. For example, if you feel you have dry eyes, use eye drops. They are available over-the-counter.

For more information about fibromyalgia speak with your doctor.