The Science of Rest— What the Lipkin Study Taught Us About ME/CFS

"Pace first, safety builds capacity." —Donna Piper There's a kind of tired that sleep can't fix, a crash that feels invisible to everyone but you. You push, you pace, you try to "do all the right things," yet your body still calls a timeout. Maybe it's not weakness or lack of willpower. Maybe your body's simply working harder than anyone realizes. In this episode, Donna unpacks a revolutionary study on chronic fatigue, the real science behind "the crash," and why pacing, rest, and nervous system care are the new power moves for healing. Expect myth-busting, practical science, and the kind of honesty your exhausted body has been waiting for. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 01:48 Not Lazy, You're Overloaded 04:17 What Science Says 07:09 Crash Under the Microscope 09:48 Myths vs Truths 14:31 Trade Crashes with Capacity Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to [e-mail], and you just might hear your answer on the show. 🔎Research and Studies Screaming Immune Activation — Health Rising blogLipkin et al. ME/CFS study — Cell Host & Microbe, 2023 X: Rest is not optional when your body's in survival mode. Learn how science is finally mapping the truth about chronic fatigue and the power of real rest. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #BodyConfidence #ChronicIllness #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #RestIsMedicine #MindBodyHealing #NervousSystemHealing Quotes: 01:48 "There's actual science proving that for people with ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, your body isn't lazy, it's overloaded." —Donna Piper 03:14 "A lot of the prescription to help you heal is rest." —Donna Piper 07:59 "Your body isn't weak, it's working overtime in every direction just to maintain balance." —Donna Piper 09:56 "Pace first, safety builds capacity." —Donna Piper 09:59 "Myth: It's just anxiety. Truth: immune activation and metabolic strain show up in labs. This is biology, not mindset." —Donna Piper 10:26 "Subgroups differ in age, sex, and root drivers matter. Personalize everything." —Donna Piper 11:00 "Rest isn't laziness; it is a biological necessity." —Donna Piper 13:49 "Taking my perspective and intentionally resting is a game-changer." —Donna Piper 14:33 "Your crashes are not character flaws, they are a multi-system response that science is finally mapping out." —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna's sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams.