What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a common condition characterized by extreme tiredness and lack of energy. It can have physical or mental causes. Fatigue affects nearly everyone at some point.
What causes fatigue?
There are many potential causes of fatigue, including:
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough quality sleep is one of the most common causes of fatigue. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Stress - Dealing with high stress levels over long periods leads to fatigue by draining mental and physical energy.
- Medical conditions - Fatigue is a symptom of many medical conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, etc.
- Medications - Many common prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
- Poor nutrition - Not eating a balanced diet or getting proper nutrients can result in low energy levels.
- Dehydration - Not drinking enough water negatively affects energy levels.
How do you know if you're fatigued?
Signs and symptoms of fatigue include:
- Feeling tired even after resting or sleeping
- Decreased motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness
- Slowed reflexes and responses
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Stomach problems
How is fatigue treated?
- Get enough sleep - Make sleep a priority and stick to a regular sleep-wake cycle.
- Reduce stress - Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods - Follow a healthy, balanced diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds. Stay hydrated.
- Exercise - Regular moderate physical activity boosts energy levels.
- Take breaks - Schedule short breaks during work or between tasks to recharge mentally and physically.
- Treat underlying conditions - See a doctor to identify and properly treat any medical issues causing persistent fatigue.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine - While they may temporarily make you feel energized, over time both can worsen fatigue.
See your doctor if fatigue is severe, doesn't improve with lifestyle changes, or impacts your daily functioning. Ignoring extreme tiredness can allow health problems to progress. Proper rest and medical care helps restore normal energy levels.
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, consider visiting Revive HRT for an evaluation and treatment plan.