Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Blog

Dr. Sarah Myhill is a specialist in fatigue related illnesses and has worked in healthcare for over 20 years. I recently came across some of her papers that sum up what she believes is happening in CFS patients.
Dr. Myhill thinks that chronic fatigue patients have mitochondrial dysfunction. She states that “CFS is a symptom of mitochondrial failure“. She also says that the cognitive impairment many experience, be due to low blood (and oxygen) supply to the brain. There is a problem of reoccuring mitochonidrial damage must be put to a stop by providing the elements that they need to function.

Melatonin is an over the counter supplement that is used as a sleep aid. It is a natural occuring hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland and it has a strong effect on the bodies natural sleep/wake cycle. It can be used for jetlag to help reset the bodies internal clock.
Natural production of melatonin is increased when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Low levels of sunlight exposure can stop production of melatonin and lead to insomnia.

A recent PubMed article talks about the serotonin system being over-active in CFS patients. It states that genetic abnormalities were found in serotonin receptors of patients. They were all located in the same receptor subtype (5-HT receptor subtype HTR2A).
Another article dated 2001, says that researchers found evidence of increased serotonergic activity and elevated levels of a serotonin metabolites in patients. It also says that certain treatments that increased serotonin turnover rates, like NADH, led to an improvement in symptoms.