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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can we talk Sleep or lack thereof??

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
"Timbuktu", Michigan

Please I really would like to hear from others who suffer from severe insomnia/sleep disorder since having fibro! Things like do u stay up all night then sleep in morning/day? Wake up early and can't go back to sleep? And I would LUV to know what helps u or makes it worse. For some reason insomnia has returned w a vengeance lately 😭 and am looking for support and to hear from others who suffer this Night Torture 😵. Thank u ♥️L

September 29
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Answer Summary

Members dealing with fibromyalgia-related insomnia came together to share their struggles and solutions, with many describing cycles of... Read more

Members dealing with fibromyalgia-related insomnia came together to share their struggles and solutions, with many describing cycles of sleeping only 2 to 4 hours at a time, waking around 3 AM, or staying up all night before crashing in the morning. Several members found relief through magnesium, melatonin, glycine, taurine, sleepy time tea, muscle relaxers, consistent bedtimes, soft music, recliner napping, and prescription sleep aids like Ramelteon. A recurring theme was the deep emotional toll of sleep deprivation, with members offering each other heartfelt encouragement and reminding one another that this community is a source of comfort and understanding.

A MyFibroTeam Member

David I can't thank u enough for ur compassion and support ❤️ it really helps! U know there's an old movie and one of the lines is "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers". 💞 What a blessing this group is right? BTW sincerely hope U are doing ok!? Blessings L

October 6
A MyFibroTeam Member

After being g up all njhtt I go to sleep in tbe morning pls, don't deprive yr body off sleep go get yr head down . Am off now been to the hospital came home in crippling lower back pain, I hate this illnesses. Am off lass xxx

September 30
A MyFibroTeam Member

🙋🏼‍♀️ It's 4am now. I get it. It's cyclic. I also struggle with nightmares, so I think I hate my bed. I've found I sleep better in my recliner if I nap. Soft music helps. Sounds silly (sssshh) but a soft stuffed animal helps sometimes (and yes, I have a husband even!). I occasionally take Rozerem (Ramelteon). It's a form of prescription melatonin that crosses the blood-brain barrier easier. Sometimes soft scents help, like a pillow spray or a oil dab behind my ear. With those thing I have to actually focus on them and perhaps think of something relaxing like a scenery and engage senses (what would it sound like, smells, details, etc).
All this only works if I get off my phone... 🤦🏼‍♀️
💜

September 29
MyFibroTeam

Oh, the "Night Torture" is so real, and you are absolutely not alone in this! Sleep problems are actually one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms — studies show that at least 9 in 10 people with fibromyalgia experience poor sleep. It's not just a side effect of pain either; many researchers now consider it a core part Show Full Answer

Oh, the "Night Torture" is so real, and you are absolutely not alone in this! Sleep problems are actually one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms — studies show that at least 9 in 10 people with fibromyalgia experience poor sleep. It's not just a side effect of pain either; many researchers now consider it a core part of fibromyalgia itself.

Many MyFibroTeam members describe exactly what you're going through — lying awake for hours, waking repeatedly, or starting the day already exhausted. One MyFibroTeam member shared, "I've been up since Monday morning. It's now Wednesday. Sleep and I don't get along very well." Another said they feel lucky to get even two or three hours a night. Here's why it's so hard: with fibromyalgia, the nervous system is in a constant state of high alert (called central sensitization), which makes it really difficult for the brain to settle into deep, restorative sleep. Brain activity actually interrupts those deeper sleep stages, so even when sleep happens, it often doesn't feel refreshing.

On top of that, imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine — which regulate mood, pain, AND sleep — can cause more alertness at night and more fatigue during the day. It's a frustrating cycle where poor sleep increases pain, and more pain makes sleep even harder. As for what helps, here are some things MyFibroTeam members and sleep experts suggest:

- Muscle relaxers at night combined with melatonin have helped some members
- Magnesium supplements or lotion — one member swears by this, especially when restless legs flare up
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule — same bedtime and wake time every day, even weekends
- Making the bedroom sleep-friendly — dark, cool, and quiet (blackout curtains and white noise can help)
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening
- Skipping long or late naps — short ones are okay, but long naps can make nighttime sleep harder
- Eating your last meal at least 3 hours before bed

If snoring, frequent waking, or waking unrefreshed are part of the picture, it may be worth asking a doctor about a sleep study to rule out anything else going on. Sending so much solidarity your way 💙 The night hours can feel incredibly isolating, but so many others in the fibromyalgia community are right there with you — probably also wide awake and reading "The Hobbit" at 5 a.m. (as one MyFibroTeam member joked!). Hang in there, and don't hesitate to loop in your healthcare provider if things feel unmanageable — there are treatment options worth exploring together.

September 29
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi Kay sorry u struggle w sleep issues too but u are lucky to get 5 hours although More would be better! I think I may have Sjogrens and will ask to be tested although I doubt the controlling NP I have for PCP will order! There's a shortage of PCPs where I live so I'm stuck for awhile 😠. I wish I could use edibles but am allergic. Just curious I wake up too and it's always around 3am ish.**** Can anyone else relate to this time too? Blessings ♥️ L

4 days ago

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