Tiredness: What's causing my constant exhaustion, and how can I alleviate it?
Chronic fatigue, a persistent feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy, affects many adults worldwide. The condition can stem from a variety of medical, psychological, lifestyle, and environmental factors, making it essential to understand these causes to manage and treat the issue effectively.
Medical Conditions
Underlying health issues such as anemia, thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic infections, and inflammation, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can contribute to chronic fatigue [1][2][4].
Mental Health Issues
Mental health conditions are common contributors to chronic fatigue. These include depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion or burnout, bereavement and grief, stress, and chronic psychological strain [1][2][4].
Lifestyle Factors
Certain habits and lifestyle choices can influence fatigue levels. Poor or insufficient sleep, lack of exercise, an unbalanced diet causing deficiencies, especially in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, high stress, and excessive screen time can all contribute to chronic fatigue [1][2][3][5].
Medications and Substances
Some medications may cause fatigue as a side effect, including beta blockers, lithium, allergy medicines, cancer treatments, and benzodiazepines. Alcohol and drug use can also contribute to chronic fatigue [1][3].
It's important to note that chronic fatigue is often multifactorial, requiring evaluation for physical illnesses, mental health conditions, and lifestyle factors. If fatigue persists and affects daily functioning, medical assessment is recommended to identify and address specific causes [1][2][4][5].
The main symptom of fatigue is exhaustion with physical or mental activity, and not feeling refreshed after resting or sleeping. Other symptoms may include aching or sore muscles, apathy and lack of motivation, daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating or learning new tasks, gastrointestinal problems, headache, irritability or moodiness, slowed response time, vision problems, and worsening after exertion [1][2][3][4].
Diagnosis of fatigue can be challenging due to varied and nonspecific causes and symptoms. A doctor may ask questions about the qualities, patterns, and duration of fatigue, perform physical examinations, urine tests, imaging scans, mental health questionnaires, and blood tests to determine the underlying cause. Sleep habits, diet, caffeine use, drug use, alcohol consumption, and work and sleep patterns may be factors in the diagnosis of fatigue [1][2][3][4].
Eating a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity can help reduce fatigue for many people. Yoga and mindfulness practices may also help reduce fatigue due to chronic fatigue syndrome or post-COVID syndromes. Treating the underlying cause of fatigue is essential for effective treatment.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20369246 [2] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/ [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html [4] American Psychological Association. (2021). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/chronic-fatigue-syndrome [5] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (2021). Chronic fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Information-Page
[Editor's note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition.]
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