Scientists are still to discover all the benefits of sleep however, they are convinced that poor sleep contributes significantly to the symptoms and development of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and pain.
Brainwave patterns occurring during sleep have important and partially understood functions. One defined pattern is called gamma. Gamma waves are associated with perception, consciousness attention, learning and memory. These brainwaves have also been linked with increased compassion, happiness and optimal brain function.
In a recent study the brain’s gamma waves were measured in individuals who spent a night in a sleep laboratory. 29 long-term meditators were compared with a group of non-meditators.
The results revealed that compared to non-meditators those who practiced meditation had significantly increased gamma brainwaves. This research adds to the building body of evidence that indicates that if you have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or persisting pain, meditation is good medicine.
