Physical Health

I frequently see teenagers referred to my clinic complaining of chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, pain and headaches. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, low mood and feelings of anxiety.

Often these young adults have multiple tender trigger points and would fulfil diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. When taking a history from these teenagers, a key and recurrent theme is frequent access to the internet and social media, often using smartphone technology and often at night.

We know that sleep hygiene plays a key role in our mental and physical well-being and chronic lack of deep or restorative sleep is central to the aetiology of conditions such as fibromyalgia which is associated with central sensitisation, chronic pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety.