Underground Journal

Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Patterns

Do you find yourself thinking “I’m always tired”? Well you are not alone, nearly an estimated one million people in North America alone suffer from Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lets examine one of the most common causes of constant tiredness.

Genetic Predisposition-

Some people are just born with a higher chance to suffer from genetic causes such as fibromyalgia. Studies suggest a link between fibromyalgia and sleep disorders, so lets go over some ways to improve your restful sleep.

Tips for a better night of sleep:

1) Try to shape up your eating habits. Having a large meal, particularly one with spicy foods before bed will reduce your quality REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep time by a wide margin. Instead have a mild supper a few hours before you sleep.

2) Align your sleep cycle to the sun. Yes it does seem kind of new age, but think about it rationally. Before the invention of electricity people for the most part slept shortly after nightfall, and rose again shortly after dawn. The most restful sleep typically occurs between 11pm-2am but only if you have already been asleep for awhile beforehand.

If you are not able to simply go to sleep early then ease into a new routine in smaller hour or half hour increments until you are on a better schedule. You’re almost guaranteed to feel at least a little better right away.

3) Make sure that your sleeping area is pitch black. Getting a high quality screen for your sleeping area is a must, sleeping in complete darkness increases the production of Melatonin, and important sleep cycle related hormone. Those who sleep in total darkness are generally at a reduced risk for several types of cancer, particularly in women. So toss the nightlight and keep a flashlight on your nightstand instead.

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