Fulfilling experiences and many areas of control are still available. Cognitive therapy may be expensive and not covered by insurance. It should be noted that, in one center, educational discussion groups were as effective, or even more so, than a cognitive therapy program. The studies do indicate, however, that patients who cannot afford cognitive therapy may do as well with strong, intelligently managed support groups. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Establishing Regular Sleep Routines.
Sleep is essential, particularly since pain is aggravated by disturbed sleep.
Improvement is low in those who are unable to sleep consistently and at night. Swing shift work, for example, is extremely hard on fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia patients should maintain a healthy diet low in animal fat and high in fiber, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. There is some evidence that people with fibromyalgia have a more stressful response to daily conflicts and encounters than those without the disorder. A number of relaxation and stress-reduction techniques have proven to be helpful in managing chronic pain.