Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is very different as an insider than an outsider.

When I first started suspecting that I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome I started learning all I could about it. Scientists and doctors always suggest the same things to help - exercise, lots of sleep, getting to bed early and rising early, eating healthy....
I cannot tell you how depressing it was to read that. My mother was studying up on it as well, and her advice to me was the same. However, all her well-meant comments did was incense me. I was angry and frustrated. Why? Because those are absolutely the HARDEST things in the entire world for someone with Chronic Fatigue to do.
Chronic fatigue causes more than just fatigue.... it causes killer migraines, weak muscles, dizziness. It makes it much harder to sleep, and it makes it feel like you are going to die if you can't. It is can cause a sick stomach, faintness, a rapid heart beat, drops in blood pressure... It is miserable.
I would try to exercise - do push-ups or something... my arms would completely give out. I would get dizzy when I walked or did anything too strenuous - sometimes I would get dizzy just by putting on make-up or showering.
At night I couldn't sleep for hours. I would  be exhausted all day, just waiting to fall into bed. Then I would toss and turn for hours - normally waking up with a horrible headache.
I am by no means better, but I have learned practices that have helped me take control of my life and my health. I am not perfect at doing these things, but I have identified what things help, and my health is important enough to me that I do my best.
For sleep:

• Listen to calming music, or an audio book while trying to fall asleep. This will help focus your mind, and get it away from the chaos of your thoughts. Figure out what works best for you.
• Make sure the room is cool. Heat makes it harder to sleep.
• Avoid screens AT LEAST 30 minutes before bed. Preferably an hour.
• Avoid sugar and caffeine about 6 hours before you go to bed.
• MAKE yourself go to bed, even if it is hard for you to sleep. Try to always make yourself go to bed around the same time.
• Always set an alarm to wake up. Get used to waking up around the same time, even if you are sick and have to go back to bed afterwards.
• Try stretching or going for a short walk before bed. This will wear you out and make your body long for the mattress.
• Taking Melatonin or Benadryl before bed can help a lot. Make sure if you take Benadryl you get at least get 8 hours of sleep to make sure it has time to leave your system.

Well... there are probably a few more. Let me know if you have questions!
Tune in next time for tips on exercise. :)