Sleep Problems Contribute to Fibromyalgia

The causes of fibromyalgia remain somewhat mysterious. People who have this condition often complain of pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Sensitive points are frequently found on the back, shoulders and neck. Now Norwegian investigators are pointing to sleep problems as a contributing factor in fibromyalgia.
The researchers tracked over 12,000 women over a decade. At the beginning of the study none of the women complained of symptoms suggestive of fibromyalgia. By the end of the trial, however, over 300 women had been diagnosed with this condition. Those who reported difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep were much more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Whether correcting the sleep problems would reduce the risk of developing fibromyalgia has yet to be determined.
[Arthritis & Rheumatism, November 2011]