Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), describes a long-term condition that triggers pain all over the body.
While fibromyalgia typically targets people between the ages of 25 and 55, anyone can get it.
According to the NHS, the exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages.
The key symptom is widespread pain, but another tell-tale sign can strike in the morning.
The health service shares that fibromyalgia can leave you tired after waking up, despite getting enough sleep.
It states: “This is because the condition can sometimes prevent you sleeping deeply enough to refresh you properly.
“You may hear this described as non-restorative sleep.”
This means you could be getting between seven to nine hours of sleep a night but still don’t feel rested.
Apart from waking up tired, the health condition also causes the following warning signs:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, which can make you feel very tired (fatigue)
- Problems with mental processes (known as “fibro-fog”) such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Feelings of frustration, worry or low mood.
The NHS explains that symptoms of fibromyalgia are changeable and can sometimes suddenly improve or get worse.
The health service urges you to “see a GP” if you think you have the painful condition.
The good news is that treatment could help ease some of the symptoms but they’re unlikely to disappear completely.
From lifestyle changes to medicine, various options could help make the condition easier to live with, the NHS adds.