It is this same lack of restorative sleep, as well as life with chronic pain and fatigue (physical exhaustion), which very often results in a cognitive dysfunction commonly referred to as “Fibro-fog” (mental exhaustion). Other contributing factors to Fibro-fog may include depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, or changes in the central nervous system.
Fibro-fog is not a psychological condition, but rather the direct result of sleep deprivation and other contributing factors. It is also not the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other conditions that cause deterioration of brain functions.
Symptoms of Fibro-fog
The severity of Fibro-fog fluctuates from day to day, as well as from person to person. The following is a list of possible signs and symptoms:
- Mental confusion and fatigue
- Loss of short-term memory
- Inability to concentrate
- Impaired thinking
- Absentmindedness
- Inability to recognize familiar surroundings
- Disorientation
- Inability to comprehend written or spoken words
- Trouble with directions
- Short attention span
- Acquired dyslexia (includes difficulty speaking known words)
As Fibro-Fog is directly related to non-restorative sleep then getting good, quality sleep should be the first priority. This may require the use of prescribed medications designed to promote sleep such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, alprazolam, diphenhydramine, and trazodone.
Many people find that keeping to a regular routine, by going to bed and rising at the same time every day, is a necessary component of good sleep hygiene. Provide a relaxing atmosphere, listen to soft music, enjoy light reading, don't eat too close to bedtime, limit caffiene and purchas a quality mattress.
Other necessary components of fighting Fibro-fog include exercise (to raise endorphin levels to help fight off depression and increase blood flow to the brain), reducing stress, and sound nutrition.
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