People diagnosed with fibromyalgia develop ineffective strategies to manage poor sleep quality

People diagnosed with fibromyalgia develop maladaptive and ineffective strategies to manage poor sleep quality and the consequences on their overall health. This is one of the conclusions of a study carried out by research staff at the University of Lleida (UdL) and the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), which has been published in Journal of Clinical Medicine. The research has been carried out by professionals from the Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy of the University of Lleida (UdL), from the UdL's Group of Studies on Society, Health, Education and Culture (GESEC) and from the Research Group on Cures in Health (GRECS) of the Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida).

"Poor sleep quality is a serious symptom of fibromyalgia and has a very large impact on other symptoms of the condition such as pain, fatigue or work performance. This is why health professionals need to reflect on the education and advice given in this area" explained the first author of the article, Carolina Climent.

The research was based on a review of 17 articles published on the subject, in which direct witnesses were provided who made it possible to analyse the experience of people with this condition and their strategies for solving sleep problems. Another conclusion of the research is the need to develop future studies to review the experience of poor sleep quality in people suffering from this health condition.

Previously, this research group had studied the validity and reliability of sleep quality indicators (duration or depth of sleep and difficulty in falling asleep, among others) in adult people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The results confirmed the validity of the indicators and allow health professionals to guarantee comprehensive care for patients with fibromyalgia, beyond pain, and provide important information on the effectiveness of treatments. That study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

This research has been possible thanks to the research grants received by the research staff from the University of Lleida (pre-doctoral grant, grant X19005 from the Institute of Social and Territorial Development (INDEST) and grant from the UdL Chair of Health, Education and Quality of Life and the ASISA Foundation).

Research article:

Climent-Sanz C, Morera-Amenós G, Bellon F, Pastells-Peiró R, Blanco-Blanco J, Valenzuela-Pascual F, Gea-Sánchez M. Poor Sleep Quality Experience and Self-Management Strategies in Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Metasynthesis. J Clin Med. 2020 Dec 10;9(12):E4000. doi: 10.3390/jcm9124000. PMID: 33321937.