The Hidden Reason Rest Doesn't Help Your Chronic Fatigue episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 14, 2025 · 15 MIN

The Hidden Reason Rest Doesn't Help Your Chronic Fatigue

from Strides To Solutions · host Esther Nava

Examines research showing that passive rest can actually worsen symptoms in CFS due to rumination and default mode network overactivity. Presents interventions that improve rest quality and reduce the cognitive burden of constant symptom monitoring.Here are the APA references and disclaimer for the podcast:ReferencesBarton, A., Sheen, J., & Byrne, L. (2024). The restorative and state enhancing potential of abstract fractal-like imagery and interactive mindfulness interventions in virtual reality. Virtual Reality, 28, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-023-00916-7Bhayee, S., Tomaszewski, P., Lee, D., Moffat, G., Pino, L., Moreno, S., & Farb, N. (2016). Attentional and affective consequences of technology supported mindfulness training: A randomised, active control, efficacy trial. BMC Psychology, 4, 168. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-016-0168-6Blasche, G., Szabo, B., Wagner-Menghin, M., Ekmekcioglu, C., & Gollner, E. (2018). Comparison of rest‐break interventions during a mentally demanding task. Stress and Health, 34, 629-638. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2830Brugnera, A., Jacobsen, T., Woodhouse, A., Compare, A., & Jacobsen, H. (2020). Effectiveness of an ACT-based rehabilitation program for the treatment of chronic fatigue: Results from a 12-months longitudinal study. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 61, 759-768. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12672Casson, S., Jones, M., Cassar, J., Kwai, N., Lloyd, A., Barry, B., & Sandler, C. (2022). The effectiveness of activity pacing interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45, 3788-3802. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2135776Charalambous, A., Giannakopoulou, M., Bozas, E., Marcou, Y., Kitsios, P., & Paikousis, L. (2016). Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation as a cluster of symptoms management intervention in patients receiving chemotherapy: A randomized control trial. PLoS ONE, 11, e0156911. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156911Chmiel, J., Kurpas, D., & Stępień-Słodkowska, M. (2025). The potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis: A review and discussion of mechanisms of action. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14, 373. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020373De Doncker, W., Ondobaka, S., & Kuppuswamy, A. (2020). Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on post-stroke fatigue. Journal of Neurology, 268, 2831-2842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-021-10442-8Hammerdahl, E., Hilt, L., Draheim, A., Fox, G., & Breister, E. (2025). The role of attention control in a mindfulness-based intervention for rumination: A randomized controlled trial. 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Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on fatigue for patients with cancer and other chronic health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 171, 111366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111366Moghadam, M., & Maleki, A. (2023). Fatigue factors and fatigue indices in SSVEP-based brain-computer interfaces: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17, 1248474. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1248474Mosher, C., Lee, S., Addington, E., Park, S., Lewson, A., Snyder, S., Hirsh, A., Bricker, J., Miller, K., Ballinger, T., Schneider, B., Storniolo, A., Newton, E., Champion, V., & Johns, S. (2024). Randomized controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for fatigue interference with functioning in metastatic breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 43, 662-671. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.24.00965Pérez-Peña, M., Notermans, J., Desmedt, O., Van Der Gucht, K., & Philippot, P. (2022). Mindfulness-based interventions and body awareness. Brain Sciences, 12, 285. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020285Perestelo-Pérez, L., Barraca, J., Peñate, W., Rivero-Santana, A., & Álvarez-Pérez, Y. (2017). Mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of depressive rumination: Systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 17, 282-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2017.07.004Querstret, D., Cropley, M., & Fife-Schaw, C. (2017). Internet-based instructor-led mindfulness for work-related rumination, fatigue, and sleep: Assessing facets of mindfulness as mechanisms of change. A randomized waitlist control trial. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22, 153-169. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000028Roberts, W. (2017). The use of cues in multimedia instructions in technology as a way to reduce cognitive load. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 26, 373-412.Schwind, J., Gropalis, M., Witthöft, M., & Weck, F. (2016). The effects of attention training on health anxiety: An experimental investigation. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 40, 245-255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-015-9745-xSimon, K., McDevitt, E., Ragano, R., & Mednick, S. (2022). Progressive muscle relaxation increases slow‐wave sleep during a daytime nap. Journal of Sleep Research, 31, e13574. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13574Takamura, M., Okamoto, Y., Shibasaki, C., Yoshino, A., Okada, G., Ichikawa, N., & Yamawaki, S. (2020). Antidepressive effect of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex neurofeedback in patients with major depressive disorder: A preliminary report. Journal of Affective Disorders, 271, 224-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.080Taylor, J., Yamada, T., Kawashima, T., Kobayashi, Y., Yoshihara, Y., Miyata, J., Murai, T., Kawato, M., & Motegi, T. (2022). Depressive symptoms reduce when dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-precuneus connectivity normalizes after functional connectivity neurofeedback. Scientific Reports, 12, 3055. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05860-1To, W., De Ridder, D., Hart, J., & Vanneste, S. (2018). Changing brain networks through non-invasive neuromodulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 128. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00128Toussaint, L., Nguyen, Q., Roettger, C., Dixon, K., Offenbächer, M., Kohls, N., Hirsch, J., & Sirois, F. (2021). Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 5924040. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5924040Van Der Velden, A., Scholl, J., Elmholdt, E., Fjorback, L., Hamer, C., Lazar, S., O'Toole, M., Smallwood, J., Roepstorff, A., & Kuyken, W. (2022). Mindfulness training changes brain dynamics during depressive rumination: A randomized controlled trial. Biological Psychiatry, 93, 233-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.038Xie, H., Wang, F., Hao, Y., Chen, J., An, J., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2017). The more total cognitive load is reduced by cues, the better retention and transfer of multimedia learning: A meta-analysis and two meta-regression analyses. PLoS ONE, 12, e0183884. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183884Yang, M., Jia, G., Sun, S., Ye, C., Zhang, R., & Yu, X. (2019). Effects of an online mindfulness intervention focusing on attention monitoring and acceptance in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 64, 68-77. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.12944DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content presented is based on research findings and should not replace professional medical consultation. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex medical condition that requires proper medical evaluation and care from qualified healthcare professionals.If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome or any other medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider before implementing any interventions discussed in this podcast. Individual responses to treatments vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.The interventions discussed may not be suitable for all individuals, and some techniques may require guidance from trained professionals. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications or treatments without consulting your healthcare provider.If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis line immediately.This podcast does not establish a therapist-client or doctor-patient relationship. The host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com

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The Hidden Reason Rest Doesn't Help Your Chronic Fatigue

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This episode is 15 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 14, 2025.

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Examines research showing that passive rest can actually worsen symptoms in CFS due to rumination and default mode network overactivity. Presents interventions that improve rest quality and reduce the cognitive burden of constant symptom...

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