What Causes Fatigue, And How Can I Get Rid Of It?
Fatigue is more than simply being tired. Fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and prevent a person from carrying out their daily responsibilities. Physical and mental fatigue are distinct, but they frequently coexist. Repeated physical exhaustion can eventually lead to mental fatigue.
Fatigue can also be caused by a lack of sleep, especially if it lasts for an extended period of time. Adults should get 7–8 hours of sleep each night, according to officials. However, according to some research, approximately one-third of people in the United States do not get enough sleep.
Many people can benefit from a healthy diet and regular physical activity to reduce fatigue. Treating the underlying cause of fatigue, whether it is a lack of sleep or a medical condition, is also beneficial.
When Fatigue Impairs Safety
It becomes a public health concern, according to a reliable source. People suffering from severe fatigue may behave similarly to those who are intoxicated. This article will look at the different types of fatigue, the causes of fatigue, and the treatment options available.
Types
There are two types of fatigue: physical fatigue and mental fatigue.
A person suffering from physical fatigue may find it difficult to perform routine tasks, such as climbing the stairs. Muscle weakness is one of the symptoms, and a strength test may be used to diagnose the condition. A person suffering from mental fatigue may find it difficult to concentrate and maintain focus. They may feel sleepy or struggle to stay awake while working.
Is it sleepiness or exhaustion?
Sleepiness can occur when a person does not get enough good quality sleep or when they are not stimulated enough. It can also be a symptom of a sleep-related health condition, such as sleep apnea or restless legs' syndrome.
Sleepiness, as opposed to fatigue, is more likely to be transient. It is usually treatable by getting enough sleep on a regular and consistent basis. However, fatigue, especially chronic fatigue, is frequently associated with a medical condition or problem. It could also be a separate chronic condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Causes
Fatigue is linked to a variety of health conditions and lifestyle factors. The sections that follow will go over these in greater detail.
Problems with mental health
Fatigue is a common symptom of clinical depression, which can be caused by the depression itself or by other issues, such as insomnia.
Fatigue can also be caused by the following mental health problems:
- Bereavement, stress, and grief
- consuming disorders
- anxiety \sboredom
- Life events that cause emotional exhaustion or burnout, such as moving or getting a divorce, can cause emotional exhaustion or burnout.
Reasons endocrine and metabolic
Fatigue can be caused by health conditions and other factors that affect hormones. These are some examples:
- Cushing's disease
- kidney disorder
- electrolyte issues
- diabetes
- thyroid problems
Hormonal contraception during pregnancy, including birth control pills and the implant
Medications and drugs
Certain drugs and medications can make you tired. These are some examples:
- some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs
- antihypertensives \sstatins
- steroids
- antihistamines \ssedatives
Medication withdrawal can also result in fatigue while the body adjusts. Changes in dosage can also be the source of the problem.
Heart and lung problems
Heart and lung conditions can impair blood flow, cause inflammation, and cause fatigue. These are some examples:
- pneumonia
- arrhythmias \sasthma
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- valvular heart disease
- coronary artery disease
- heart failure due to edema
- Sleep issues
The following sleep factors may also contribute to fatigue:
- working late and shifts
- travel fatigue
- obstructive sleep apnea
- Insomnia narcolepsy reflux esophagitis
Substances and chemicals
Sleep and fatigue can be affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as poisoning.
Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can also interfere with normal sleep, especially close to bedtime. Using nicotine-containing products can also cause sleep disruption.
Medical problems
Fatigue can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including:
- anemia
- diabetes
- blood pressure is too high
- obesity
- coronary heart disease
- syndrome of chronic fatigue
- immune system dysfunction
- fibromyalgia
- Lupus nephritis rheumatoid arthritis gastroesophageal reflux disease
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
- cancer, as well as cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- a massive loss of blood
Fatigue is another symptom of infection. Among the infections that cause extreme tiredness are:
- malaria \stuberculosis
- Infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis
Chronic discomfort
People who suffer from chronic pain may wake up frequently during the night. They may also wake up tired and untested as a result of not getting enough quality sleep.
Chronic pain combined with a lack of sleep can result in persistent tiredness and fatigue. In one study on fibromyalgia and sleep, half of the fibromyalgia patients also had sleep apnea, which contributes to fatigue.
Chronic ache
People who suffer from chronic pain may wake up several times during the night. They may also wake up tired and untested as a result of a lack of quality sleep.
The combination of chronic pain and a lack of sleep can result in persistent tiredness and fatigue. In one study on fibromyalgia and sleep, half of the people with fibromyalgia also had sleep apnea, which contributes to fatigue.
Excessive or insufficient activity
A fatigued person may not feel able to exercise, and a lack of exercise can cause additional fatigue. A lack of exercise can lead to deconditioning, which makes performing a physical task more difficult and tiring. Fatigue can occur in healthy people after prolonged, intense mental or physical activity.
Symptoms
Exhaustion from physical or mental activity is the most common symptom of fatigue. After resting or sleeping, a person does not feel refreshed.
It may also be difficult for them to carry out their daily activities, such as work, housework, and caring for others. Fatigue symptoms can be physical, mental, or emotional.
Fatigue is commonly associated with the following symptoms:
- muscles that are aching or sore
- Apathy and a lack of motivation are symptoms of apathy and a lack of motivation.
- drowsiness during the day
- Having trouble concentrating or learning new tasks
- digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea
- headache
- irritability or melancholy
- response time slowed
- problems with vision, such as blurriness
After exertion, symptoms tend to worsen. They may appear a few hours after physical activity or exercise, or they may appear the next day.
Diagnosis
The causes and symptoms of fatigue are diverse and nonspecific, making diagnosis difficult. The doctor may ask you questions about:
the characteristics of fatigue
the fatigue patterns, such as the times of day when symptoms are worse or better, and whether or not taking a nap helps
- the individual's sleep quality
- the emotional state and stress levels of the individual
- A person can help their diagnosis by keeping track of how many hours they sleep each night and how frequently they wake up.
- The doctor will perform a physical examination to look for signs of illness and will ask the patient if they are taking any medications.
They will also inquire about the individual's lifestyle habits, such as diet, caffeine consumption, drug use, alcohol consumption, and work and sleep patterns.
Tests for diagnosis
Diagnostic tests can assist in determining the underlying cause of fatigue. Other symptoms may necessitate urine tests, imaging scans, mental health questionnaires, and blood tests.
These tests can assist in ruling out physical causes such as infections, hormonal issues, anemia, liver problems, or kidney problems.
A sleep study may also be ordered by the doctor to rule out a sleeping disorder. They will recommend appropriate treatments if they diagnose an illness.
Treatment
To effectively treat fatigue, a doctor must first identify and diagnose the underlying cause.
Choosing the right treatment for your condition can help you feel better.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is an important part of dealing with fatigue.
To practice good sleep hygiene, do the following:
- Even on days off, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Set the temperature in the bedroom to a comfortable level. Cooler may be preferable.
- Make sure the space is dark and quiet.
- Avoid screen time an hour before going to bed because the light and sounds from a television, computer, or phone screen can stimulate brain activity and interfere with sleep quality.
- Avoid eating too close to bedtime.
- Slow down both physically and mentally as bedtime approaches. Before going to sleep, take a warm bath or listen to some soothing music to help clear your mind of stressful and worrying thoughts.
Consumption and drinking habits
Diet can have an impact on how tired or energetic a person feels. Maintaining a moderate and well-balanced diet can result in improved health and sleep.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Throughout the day, eat small, frequent meals.
- Low-sugar snacks should be consumed.
- Avoid junk food and stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Consume an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Caffeine should be avoided in the afternoon and evening.
Physical exercise
Physical activity on a regular basis can help reduce fatigue and improve sleep.
Those who haven't been physically active in a while should ease back into it. A doctor or sports therapist can assist you. People should exercise at the most productive time of day for them.
Mindfulness and yoga
People with multiple sclerosis who completed two months of mindfulness meditation reported lower levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression, while their quality of life improved, according to one studyTrusted Source.
A study on the benefits of yoga discovered some improvement in fatigue symptoms and sleep quality in cancer survivors. The four-week program included yoga postures, meditation, breathing exercises, and other techniques.
Driving and fatigue
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source advises drivers to become familiar with the warning signs of drowsiness on the road.
According to a survey they conducted, approximately one in every twenty-five drivers aged 18 and up had fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days.
If a driver notices any of the following, they should pull over and take a nap or switch drivers:
- blinking and yawning
- not remembering the last few miles driven, missing an exit, drifting across the lane, driving onto
- a rumble strip, and struggling to stay focused
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Last Word
Fatigue can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle factors, including diabetes, depression, and chronic pain. If fatigue and sleepiness are interfering with a person's daily life and none of the suggestions in this article help, they should consult a doctor.
A person can keep a diary of their sleep habits and symptoms to aid in diagnosis. A doctor will be able to suggest some appropriate symptoms after making a diagnosis.
From fitness for live
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