What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a common symptom that is characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy. It can range from mild to severe and can impact people both physically and mentally.
There are two main types of fatigue:
- Physical fatigue - This refers to muscle fatigue and the feeling that activities require more effort than usual. It's typically brought on by prolonged physical activity, muscle strain, or illness.
- Mental fatigue - Also called brain fog, mental fatigue makes it hard to concentrate, stay focused, and think clearly. Stress, lack of sleep, and medical conditions can trigger it.
Some key things to know about fatigue:
- It affects nearly everyone at some point. Mild fatigue that goes away with rest is normal, but chronic fatigue causing major disruptions in life should be evaluated.
- Many medical conditions list fatigue as a main symptom, like anemia, depression, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
- Lifestyle factors also cause fatigue - lack of physical activity, poor diet, not enough sleep, drinking too much alcohol and emotional stress.
- Learn your fatigue patterns. Note times of day when you feel most drained. Track lifestyle factors, diet and activities leading up to the fatigue. This helps identify triggers.
- See a doctor if fatigue persists over 2 weeks, impairs daily function, or occurs with other unexplained symptoms. Blood tests and physical exams help uncover any underlying conditions.
Tips to fight fatigue
Little lifestyle tweaks can help boost energy levels:
- Exercise regularly - just 30 mins daily helps. Mix cardio, strength training and stretching.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet full of antioxidants. Have snacks between meals to stabilize blood sugar. Our friends at Vital Hormones Clinic also recommend getting tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Stick to consistent bedtime and wake up schedules.
- Manage stress levels with yoga, meditation or talk therapy. Reduce unnecessary responsibilities if possible.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and limit caffeine intake. Stay hydrated with plenty of water.
Hope this overview gives you a better understanding of fatigue, its causes and ways to improve it! Let us know if you have any other questions. The medical providers at Vital Hormones Clinic are also happy to offer customized fatigue relief plans to help restore your energy, vitality and health.