How to Deal with Fatigue

Fatigue is a persistent feeling of tiredness or weakness that can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. Anyone can be affected, and the majority of adults will experience fatigue at some point in their lives. Every year, approximately 1.5 million Australians seek medical attention for fatigue. Fatigue is a symptom, not a disease. Many people experience fatigue as a result of a combination of lifestyle, social, psychological, and general well-being issues, rather than a medical condition. Although fatigue is sometimes referred to as tiredness, it is distinct from simply feeling tired or sleepy. Everyone gets tired at some point, but it usually goes away after a nap or a few nights of good sleep. After exercising, someone who is sleepy may feel temporarily refreshed. If you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly but still find it difficult to perform daily activities, concentrate, or be motivated at your normal levels, you may be suffering from fatigue, which requires further investigation.

What Are the Symptoms of Fatigue?

Fatigue can cause a wide range of other physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, such as:

• chronic exhaustion or drowsiness
• headache
• dizziness
• muscles that are sore or aching
• muscle weakness
• slowed reflexes and reactions
• decision-making and judgment are impaired.
• irritability
• a lack of hand-to-eye coordination
• loss of appetite
• immune system dysfunction
• hazy vision
• problems with short-term memory
• inability to concentrate
• hallucinations
• reduced ability to focus on the situation at hand
• lack of motivation

Causes and Treatment of Fatigue

A variety of factors can contribute to fatigue as a major complaint. They range from diseases that cause a lack of blood supply to the body’s tissues, to illnesses that affect metabolism, infections, inflammatory diseases, and sleep disorders. As a side effect, many medications can also cause fatigue. While many patients with psychological conditions complain of fatigue both physically and mentally, there is another group of patients whose cause of fatigue is never identified. Here are some possible causes of fatigue;

Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation causes fatigue and has a negative impact on your overall health and well-being. Every night, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. To stay on track, go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Check to see if your mattress is comfy, if the room is dark and cool enough, and if your phone and television are turned off. If you still can’t sleep after changing your sleeping environment, see a doctor to rule out a sleep disorder.

Heart Conditions

Have you ever felt tired from doing things like going shopping, cleaning, or climbing stairs? When the heart’s ability to pump blood to all of the body’s tissues deteriorates, it conserves resources by diverting blood away from the limbs and sending it to the vital organs. This can lead to fatigue and could be an indication of heart disease. Heart disease is a serious condition that necessitates medical attention, so consult your doctor. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications, and physical therapy can all help you control your heart disease and get back to doing what you enjoy.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which patients briefly stop breathing during sleep. Most people are unaware that this is happening, but it can cause loud snoring and fatigue during the day. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can all aggravate the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you are overweight, lose weight, quit smoking, and avoid alcohol. A CPAP device, which helps keep your airways open while sleeping, may also be prescribed by your doctor.

Anemia

Anemia caused by iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue in women. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, and iron is an important component of these cells. Without enough iron, your body may be unable to obtain the oxygen it requires for energy. Women who have heavy menstrual periods or are pregnant may be predisposed to iron deficiency anemia. If you are anemic as a result of iron deficiency, you may be able to replenish your body’s iron levels through diet. Meats, beans, tofu, potatoes, broccoli, nuts, iron-enriched cereals, and brown rice are all high in iron. Also, if you believe you require iron supplements, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage.

Inadequate Fuelling

What you eat or don’t eat can influence how much you sleep or don’t sleep. Fatigue can be caused by inadequate food consumption, or by eating foods that are not nutritious. If you eat foods that cause blood sugar spikes, you will feel fatigued as soon as those sugar levels fall. Consume a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Avoid or limit junk foods high in sugar and fat.

Caffeine Overload

Caffeine is commonly used to help people wake up. Caffeine, when consumed in moderation, improves alertness and energy. Caffeine overdose, on the other hand, can cause jitteriness, increased heart rate or palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia. Furthermore, after the caffeine wears off, users may crash and feel fatigued. If you consume a lot of caffeine-containing coffee, tea, or cola, or if you take caffeine-containing medications, you will need to gradually wean yourself off of these drinks, supplements, or medications. If you suddenly stop drinking caffeine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, so start slowly. Begin by drinking more water and fewer caffeinated beverages on a daily basis.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause fatigue due to either high or low blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are high, they stay in your bloodstream rather than being used for energy, making you feel tired. Low blood sugar (blood glucose) indicates that you may not have enough fuel for energy, resulting in fatigue. Diabetes management is critical if you have the disease. Making lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet and getting more exercise, is a great way to manage this disease.

Dehydration

We all know that water quenches thirst, but did you know that a lack of it can cause fatigue? While any liquid will help you stay hydrated, water is the best choice. It contains no sugar, calories, or caffeine. Most experts recommend eight glasses of water per day, but you may require more if you exercise or live or work in a hot climate. Your urine should be clear or pale yellow if you’re well hydrated. If it’s darker, you might need to use more fluids.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can lead to exhaustion. Certain foods may aggravate chronic fatigue. If you feel sleepy after eating certain foods, it could be a sign of food intolerance.
An elimination diet is the most effective way to determine whether you are sensitive or intolerant to a particular food. Remove any suspect foods from your diet and see if your energy levels improve. If you reintroduce the foods and the fatigue returns, it’s possible that the food is to blame. Consult your doctor about the best way to proceed with an elimination diet.

Depression

Depression is characterized by sadness and anxiety, but it can also manifest as physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and aches and pains. Seek medical help if you or someone you care about is depressed. Depression may not resolve without treatment, and there are numerous treatments available, including therapy and medications, to help alleviate symptoms.

Now that you Know…

Fatigue is a symptom; something you can feel and describe, rather than a condition or disease. To reduce your fatigue, you must first understand its underlying causes. If fatigue is interfering with your quality of life or causing you distress, consult with a medical professional. They will assist you in determining the cause of your fatigue and will offer suggestions on how to find relief by asking questions. If there is a reasonable chance that the cause of your fatigue is an undiagnosed medical issue, your doctor may recommend certain medical tests.