We wake up feeling like we've been hit by a truck. That's the sign of unrestorative sleep. Our body heals and many of our neurotransmitters and other informational substances are restored and regulated during delta sleep. People with FMS have sleep deprivation. During a flare, current symptoms become more intense, and new symptoms frequently develop.
Life is out of control.
Even the best organized support systems become strained at this time, and your whole focus has to be on survival. The best way to deal with flares is to prevent them, and your best preventative weapon is knowledge.