Chronic fatigue syndrome has been getting more and more attention lately,
partially because of new research about its causes and treatments. For
years, people complaining of chronic fatigue have been disregarded as
being lazy, or simply written off as hypochondriacs. New research is
showing that there are certain physical conditions, particularly in
relation to blood flow in the brain, that seem to be consistent among
CFS sufferers. The bottom line is that CFS is real, and there are ways
it can be treated. Helpful steps can be as simple as upgrading to newer
bedding materials like memory foam, or adjusting one's eating patterns
near bedtime.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by a chronic lack of energy,
but can also include any of these symptoms: non-refreshing sleep, sore
throat, tender lymph nodes, achy joints, impairment of concentration
and short-term memory, and post-exertion malaise. Many people recover
from CFS within a few years, as long as it is properly diagnosed. However,
for other people, it can be a lifelong affliction.
There are numerous new treatments for CFS, though none of them are
clinically proven. Anecdotal evidence suggests that steps like maintaining
a carefully controlled diet and well-structured exercise routine can
help to reduce the symptoms of CFS. It is important to note that anyone
who suspects they may be suffering from CFS should always consult
their doctor before attempting to treat symptoms themselves.
One of the most difficult aspects of Chronic fatigue syndrome is the
accompanying insomnia and unrefreshing sleep. Like with other symptoms
of CFS, the insomnia associated with the condition is somewhat of a
mystery, but is at least partially related to muscle and joint soreness.
As CFS sufferers sleep, their bodies rest on certain pressure points,
just like anyone else sleeping on a traditional mattress. As the individual
shifts in her/his sleep, they may come to rest on tender areas, causing
them to wake momentarily out of deep sleep. These pressure points are
what created the drive for new bedding materials like memory foam, used
to produce memory foam mattresses, which can reduce or even eliminate
these sleep disturbing discomforts.
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