Yes, I use my FitBit to monitor my sleep. As I understand it, it’s not REM sleeping we miss out on, its the deep sleep earlier in the night (Stage 4 sleep). Our bodies need a minimum of 90 minutes in stage 4 sleep to release Human Growth Hormone ((HGH) which in turn, during the rest of the night, mends the micro injuries the human body gets every day at the cellular level. Mitrochondia cells are the energy producers for our muscles and if these are never mended the classic morning fibro feeling of exhaustion, pain and stiffness ensues.

I have tried all sorts to achieve this stage 4 sleep by trying different combinations of meds and supplements and monitoring my levels of sleep with my Fitbit.

At present a combination of melatonin, 5-HTP and Zopiclone is working well for me.

I use a FitBit Charge and paid for the annual subscription for better sleep insights. I find it very useful and tend to alternate between POOR and FAIR sleep...with a couple of GOOD periods. I've been watching DEEP, REM, etc. but still trying to see if any patterns, e.g. with medication, essential oils, meditation and even just music (relaxing) before bed. I already had a sleep study years ago and was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. The CPAP machine did NOT help me to feel any better (not using at the moment but need to reassess 'apneas' since I happened to lose a lot of weight since first tested) but I've been checking FitBit sleep insights for those brief periods equivalent to an apnea. I'm not sure if my brief periods of 'awakeness' are due to breathing issues or just PAIN waking me up...which is a regular thing.

Anyway, this is my first comment to the group as I'm just trying to use ALL tools available to me. I was unsure about a group discussion but I think that reading what others are doing/feeling might help me feel less isolated/lost/frustrated during this pandemic and beyond. Thanks for reading/responding (if anything to add?) and have a great day/week/weekend/month and 2021!

Take care/talk soon,
Nadine

I initially used a FitBit and then switched to Apple Watch about a year ago. Depending on the watch or the apps, they record the sleep in different ways. Like others, i spend most of my time in light sleep and am unable to get the needed amounts of deep or REM sleep. Although there are some nights where I definitely struggle with insomnia, its usually between 3 and 6 am. I rarely sleep past 6 am. My biggest problem is that I never get enough restful sleep so I always wake up tired, achy, and groggy. I have tried many many many meds and other strategies, including medical marijuana, but nothing ever seems to improve the sleep quality. Most actually make the pain and grogginess worse. In fact, the longer I sleep, the worse my pain level is in the morning. Go figure...lol. So, I try to nap most afternoons, and that helps me get through the evenings without falling asleep in my chair at 8 pm.

Minus the REM sleep as those who have fibro never reach REM stage sleep which is why we are always tired.

I knew my sleep was very bad.when you fall asleep having your morning coffee,repeatedly, you know something is wrong. I kept telling doctors my sleep is very bad. They just didn't understand.

So I bought a fitbit.
Only then did my Dr realize how bad it was. I said I think I have sleep apnea.

I went for sleep tests,.and yes..it was sleep apnea.

THANK YOU FITBIT !!!