Wellness Center

Fatigue

Fatigue is sometimes described as work avoiding syndrome. It is a type of weakness that is the result of excess consumption of your physical, mental and emotional energy. Fatigue is different from drowsiness. It is the feel of lack of energy and motivation. Lack of sleep, Emotional stress, physical exertion, and boredom are symptoms of fatigue. It may be a sign of psychological or physical disorder. If fatigue is not relieved through enough sleep, nutrition, or stress less environment, you should consult your doctor.

Causes of fatigue
More common causes of fatigue are given below:

• Persistent pain
• An allergy such as hay fever which is caused by pollens of specific seasonal plants, airborne chemicals and dust particles
• Depression or grief
• Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia) Anemia is defined as a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of a molecule inside red blood cells (RBCs) called hemoglobin, Under-active thyroid or overactive thyroid gland.
• Sleep disorders such as ongoing insomnia or lack of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is one such disorder. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Another such disorder is narcolepsy most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS).
• Use of alcohol or illegal drugs such as cocaine.

The following illness can also cause fatigue.

• Arthritis which literally means inflammation of joints, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Addison disease
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
• Anorexia or other eating disorders
• Congestive heart failure
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or others such as bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis
• Malnutrition

Physical fatigue
Physical fatigue can be caused due to muscle weakness. It is characterized by a daily lack of energy.

Mental fatigue
Mental fatigue is described as a lack of attention or constant somnolence. This condition may be dangerous when performance requires constant attention, such as driving.

Ways to recover from fatigue are:

• Regular Exercise
• Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night.
• Maintain a reasonable work schedule and personal schedule
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Take multivitamins.
• Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
• Learn better ways to relax.
• Try yoga or meditation.
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use
• Reduce the amount of stressful in your life. For example, switch jobs, take a vacation, and deal directly with any problems in your relationships.
• If you are feeling confused or dizzy, experiencing blurred vision, recent swelling or weight gain, then consult your doctor as early as possible.

Additionally, if you have insomnia, headaches, dry skin, constipation, intolerance to cold, unexpected weakness with fever, depressed or sad feeling, medication either prescribed or non-prescribed then consult a doctor.
Fatigue is a symptom not a disease. It is a symptom of many health problems. Mild fatigue, however, does not require doctor's treatment. It can be cured with home care.