This page will help answer your questions.
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is the persistent feeling of physical tiredness and lack of energy and motivation. It is different from drowsiness, which is defined as “the need to sleep.” However, drowsiness can be a symptom that accompanies fatigue.
What are the causes of fatigue?
There are many possible causes of fatigue, which can be either behavioral or medical:
Behavioral causes include:
- Lack of sleep, such as insomnia.
- Sleep disorders and conditions such as sleep apnea.
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- Dehydration and insufficient fluid intake.
- Eating disorders such as anorexia.
Pathological causes include:
- Anemia, caused by iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency, or sometimes due to chronic illnesses.
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism).
- Diabetes.
- Organ diseases such as heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- Cancer.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
- Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Viral infections such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
How to manage fatigue?Tips that may help you reduce fatigue
Treatment depends on the underlying cause or contributing factor. Some tips that may help reduce fatigue include:
- Get enough sleep every night, as the normal sleep duration for humans (by age group) is:
- Birth to 3 months: 14–17 hours.
- 4–12 months: 12–16 hours.
- 1–2 years: 11–14 hours.
- 3–5 years: 10–13 hours.
- 6–12 years: 9–12 hours.
- Teenagers (13–17 years): 8–10 hours.
- Adults (18–64 years): 7–9 hours.
- Seniors (64years and older): 7–8 hours.
- Ensure your diet is healthy and balanced and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly; try yoga or meditation.
- Reduce or change stressors where possible; for example, learn stress management techniques.
- If a deficiency exists or is suspected due to nutrition due to diet, take appropriate vitamins after consulting your doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience fatigue for more than two weeks and your condition does not improve despite adequate rest.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is fatigue considered normal?
Fatigue is often a natural sign to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. It is a common symptom and is usually not caused by a serious condition. However, if it continues to increase despite adequate rest, proper diet, and sufficient sleep, it may indicate an underlying psychological or medical problem.
Do some medications cause fatigue?
Yes, certain medications may also cause fatigue or drowsiness, including allergy medications, antihistamines, pain relievers, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, sleeping pills, and diuretics.
