Getting Past Chronic Fatigue Caused by MOG-AD: Part 1 - Unlocking the Power of Sleep
My journey to recovery from MOG-AD (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease) has been long and arduous, a marathon rather than a sprint. Yet, this journey has left me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude as I continue to regain vitality and reclaim my life.
This article is part 1 of a four-part series called "Finally Getting Past Chronic Fatigue Caused by MOG-AD."
Let me start with a little background information first.
Diagnosis and Treatment
My story improved in July 2018 when I was correctly diagnosed with MOG-AD at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, correcting a previous misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis from February 2017. Since then, I have experienced no further attacks, a victory I attribute to the treatment plan prescribed by my neurologist at Mayo, which included a three-year course of CellCept, and following the Wahls Protocol, a diet and lifestyle program developed by Dr. Terry Wahls, designed to improve health and vitality by focusing on nutrient-rich foods and activities that support cellular health, particularly for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
Battling Chronic Fatigue
My MOG-AD presented as encephalomyelitis, primarily impacting my brain. Even though the attacks have ceased, the after-effects continue to pose a struggle, leaving me grappling with chronic mental and physical fatigue.
Driven to regain control over my health, I embarked on a mission to understand the causes of fatigue and potential remedies.
This quest led me to understand the paramount importance of sleep.
A Philosophy of Rest: Day Begins at Night
I believe that one's day starts the night before. It's not just about the hours we spend asleep but also the quality of our rest.
Screen Time: The Invisible Thief of Restful Sleep
A consistent sleep schedule has been crucial in helping me fall asleep and wake up naturally. To aid this, I've established a personal rule: no screens—be it TV, computer, iPad, iPhone, or any other gadget—after 9 pm. This strategy aids in quietening my mind, paving the way for a night of restful sleep.
Design a Sleep-Friendly Environment
My bedroom is a sanctuary designed for sleep. I keep it cool, dark, and quiet to encourage a restful night. Room-darkening shades, earplugs, and a night mask helps block out all light, supporting my body's circadian rhythm - the internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. In the absence of light, the brain produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Any light, especially intense or blue light from electronic devices, can disrupt melatonin production and, thus, sleep quality. Light can also interrupt critical sleep stages like deep sleep and REM sleep, essential for tissue repair, memory consolidation, and regulating various biological processes. Maintaining a dark environment prevents light from shifting us from deep to lighter sleep, ensuring overall sleep quality.
Guided Meditations: My Secret to Manage Stress and Improve Sleep
Additionally, I've incorporated guided meditations into my routine to manage stress and focus my mind. Dr. Joe Dispenza's "Restorative Sleep" meditation is one of my favorites. This meditation programs your body to sleep better and repair, restore, and regenerate while you do so. It helps balance your brain and body while guiding you to consciously drift in the space between wakefulness and sleep.
Food and Sleep: The Underrated Connection
Mindful eating habits, especially in the evening, play a significant role in determining the quality of my sleep. I've noticed that having a light supper before 7 pm and refraining from drinking anything after the same hour leads to deeper sleep phases—reflected in the heart dip data from the AutoSleep app on my Apple Watch—and fewer middle-of-the-night bathroom visits.
A Soothing Solution: Herbal Remedies in My Sleep Routine
In the early stages of my recovery, my nervous system seemed hypersensitive. Tingling sensations permeated my left arm, hand, and both feet, constantly reminding me of my condition. My brain, seemingly trapped in an endless cycle of overactivity, was singularly focused on these uncomfortable bodily sensations. During this period, an Ayurvedic doctor introduced me to a herbal remedies to promote sleep and rest. These formulsa, readily available online and known as "Blissful Sleep" and "Deep Rest" by Maharishi Ayurveda, proved instrumental in my sleep routine. Since the tingling sensation in my hands and feet has ceased, and my mind is significantly less anxious, I find that I no longer rely heavily on these sleep aids.
Personalizing Recovery: A Unique Journey for Everyone
Of course, these are strategies that have worked for me. Sleep needs, and effective strategies can vary greatly from person to person. I encourage everyone grappling with fatigue to explore and experiment to find the methods that suit them best. After all, the journey to recovery is as individual as we are.
Preparing for the Next Step: Food, Vitamins, and Exercise
Getting quality sleep was the first critical step in my journey to overcome chronic fatigue. However, sleep alone isn't enough to fully combat the fatigue caused by MOG-AD. Nutrition and physical activity play equally vital roles in restoring vitality and health. In the next part of this series, "Food, Vitamins, and Exercise," we'll delve into the integral role of the Wahls Protocol, vitamins, supplements, and daily Exercise in my ongoing journey to reclaim my life from chronic fatigue. This next segment will provide insight into the comprehensive, holistic approach that has been instrumental in my recovery.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and for me, that was improving my sleep. As we move forward, you'll see how each step builds upon the last, creating a multifaceted approach to overcoming the challenges MOG-AD poses. Stay tuned!
Disclaimer: The content shared in this article is based on my personal experiences in managing and recovering from Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOG-AD). The strategies and remedies I discuss have worked for me but may not work for everyone, as every individual's health condition, symptoms, and needs can greatly vary. This article is intended to share my personal journey and is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of healthcare professionals. I strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routines or trying new remedies. Remember, managing chronic diseases often requires patience and perseverance. The journey towards recovery is as individual as we are.