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Sleep changes commonly found in CFS and FM

Many CFS and FM patients report experiencing the above complaints and describe specific experiences with sleep. Disordered sleep has been studied in the general population and may shed light on mechanisms useful for improving the situation.

Subjective reports of sleep changes in CFS and FM patients
  - Difficulty falling asleep
  - Difficulty staying asleep
  - Un-refreshing sleep

Complaints by CFS and FM patients that MAY be related to disordered sleep and are elements of the CDC case definition of CFS
  - Post-exertional malaise
  - Fatigue interfering with functioning
  - Pain
  - Impaired short-term memory

Tools for studying sleep

  • PSG = Polysomnogram measures brainwaves EEG + EMG + EOG (Electro-ocular grams) and is done during a sleep study assessing brain wave activity, muscle activity and eye movement activity
  • Actigraphy = Sleep assessment through a motion-tracking wrist device, an accelerometer, which then can be put into an algorithm to interpret
  • Oximetry = Measurement of oxygen in the blood supply with a clip put onto the finger.
  • Video
  • Questionnaires = Self report of sleepiness, for example, have you fallen asleep watching TV or driving?
  • Diaries and Apps = Facilitate tracking activities and behaviors