1. Take Pain Medications as Needed
It will probably be necessary to take a regular pain relieving medication when you have fibromyalgia. Many people can manage by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever one or twice daily. However, for those who have more intense pain, a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be necessary. A small percentage of people with fibromyalgia end up having to take narcotic pain relievers, but, as the drugs are highly addictive, these are only prescribed for the worst cases of pain.
2. Develop Good Sleep Habits
Fix the insomnia that is the bane of nearly everyone with fibromyalgia by establishing a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning, even on weekends and holidays. Make sure you give yourself enough time between your bedtime and waking time to get a good night's sleep. Most adults do best on between 7 and 10 hours a night, so budget the time that's best for you. Even if you don't sleep, make sure you lay in bed this whole amount of time and rest. Eventually, your body will adapt to the new sleep schedule, and you'll start to drift off and wake up naturally. Getting an adequate amount of sleep will reduce your tiredness during the day, which will, in turn, decrease your overall levels of pain and stress.
3. Address Emotional Difficulties
Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications can treat the emotional issues that often come with fibromyalgia. You'll probably be experiencing some anxiety over your future with this condition, and may become depressed due to pain and the new limitations on your activities. Taking anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medications will help relieve these issues and should improve your mood. Many of these medications also will help you to sleep.
