Chronic Illness Symptoms – Poor Sleep

Sleepiness seems to be a universal condition in today's always-on, always-connected lifestyle. However, sleepiness due to long hours working, late nights, jet lag, or other activities that decrease sleep time is different from the poor or unrestorative sleep that people with chronic illnesses often suffer from.

Poor sleep can be caused by primary sleep disorders like apnea, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome, and can also be a side effect of other symptoms, such as chronic pain, trauma, or gastrointestinal symptoms. It can be difficult to get a restful night's sleep if you are in severe pain or experience deep anxiety or nightmares related to violence, death, or other traumatic experiences. Additionally, people with restless leg syndrome, insomnia, loud snoring, or other sleep disorders can also disturb their bed partners' sleep.

Treatment for poor sleep varies depending on the cause of your symptoms. Some treatment options your medical professional might advise include: sleeping pills, medications for pain or depression, psychological counseling, and herbal preparations. It's important to practice good sleep "hygiene," such as avoiding caffeine, not reading or watching TV in bed, and maintaining a comfortable sleeping temperature in your bedroom. Also, note that some sleep medications can increase tiredness the next day.

Patricia Fennell's Four-Phase Treatment (FFPT) model looks at an individual's complete spectrum of symptoms and functional capacities and offers a whole-person, individualized approach to illness management. FFPT examines a person's symptoms, what phase of illness he or she is in, and his or her symptoms and capacities, then designs a treatment plan that incorporates every aspect of the person's life. For more information about the capacities of chronic illnesses (pain, fatigue, poor sleep, cognition and thinking, walking and other movement, mood, and gastrointestinal symptoms), please see the categories at left.

Ultimately, the Fennell Four Phase Model and the Albany Health Management Associates approach to health management seeks to help people identify the most effective treatments; comply with medical, alternative, and psychological therapies; and learn to better self-manage their lives and their chronic illnesses.

If you would like more information about the Albany Health Management Associates approach to treating chronic illness, please contact us.