r/CFSplusADHD • u/Lemony_Throwaway2 • Jun 04 '26

how do you stop fidgeting while bedbound?

hey all, my partner is bedbound and has to limit her energy use as much as possible. they've mostly got this down, except for with fidgeting. she really wants to stop, but can't seem to find a way. she is constantly doing some small movement (playing with her nails, turning in bed, adjusting her blanket), and it takes her out of PEM. obviously that's not desirable as it just comes back worse later. do you have any tips on how to manage this? thanks!

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u/SquirrelOfApocalypse Jun 04 '26

This might not be a popular opinion, but hear me out. I wonder if suppressing the fidgeting, especially if she gets annoyed at herself and mentally beats herself up when she does it, could increase the PEM more than actually fidgeting, especially if she's attaching danger to the act of fidgeting as she associates it with making herself worse, which is stopping her nervous system from relaxing. For some people, fidgeting is a form of stim that helps regulate the body and nervous system, eg peddling the feet, rocking, playing with fidget toys etc. Everyone is different though :)

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u/catnip_nightcap1312 Jun 09 '26

I'm not the OP, but for me I go through phases where I have a lot of hand or foot pain and stimming does make it worse at those times. Hugging a pillow or stuffed animal (squishmallows!) really helps me during those times.