Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - CFS Symptoms and Diagnosis

Excessive consumption of of alcohol at any time in the day can also disrupt sleep patterns and lead to unsatisfying sleep. Don't drink any alcoholic beverages in the few hours prior to going to bed. Cigarette smoking can also worsen insomnia.

An afternoon nap can make falling asleep at night even harder, no matter how tired you may be. "Extra" sleep on weekends can also throw off your sleep schedule and make midweek insomnia even worse. Naps in the afternoon should be limited and short (around 20 minutes).

"Reconditioning" is often recommended as part of the treatment plan for insomnia. This means that you are "reconditioned" to associate the bed with sleep. If you are not able to sleep at all, get out of bed and move to another room, so that you do not associate the bed with wakefulness. Typically, if you are not sleeping after 20 to 30 minutes in bed, you should get out of bed and return when you are tired. During the time out of bed, you should not do anything that may stimulate or increase your wakefulness and you should avoid turning on the TV, computer, cell phone or bright lights and avoid looking at the clock. Return to bed when you feel drowsy.

What is the best sleep environment when you have insomnia? Keep the room pleasant, comfortable and get rid of clutter and distractions. Be sure to select the right bed and mattress for your needs. An old mattress or the wrong mattress for you can contribute to musculoskeletal problems and sleep disturbances. Experts suggest a cold bedroom is best for insomnia.

Insomnia by definition is a condition characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. There is no set definition of insomnia in terms of hours of sleep, and insomnia can have many forms. Some people with insomnia may have no trouble falling asleep, but wake up too soon. Other people may have the opposite problem, or they have problems with falling asleep as well as staying asleep. The common factor is poor-quality sleep that doesn't leave you feeling refreshed when you wake up.

The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are unknown. Causes may be infectious, physical, psychological, genetic, or environmental – or a combination of these factors.

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, so treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes such as

People of all ethnicities and ages can develop CFS. Risk factors for developing chronic fatigue syndrome include:

There are a number of secondary symptoms that are also associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Up to half of people with CFS may experience symptoms including abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.

Fatigue is a symptom that is often associated with many other medical conditions. Before being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome a doctor will often try to rule out: