Fatigue

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is defined as an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and feeling of exhaustion. It can have both physical and mental components. There are two main types of fatigue:

• Acute fatigue - Fatigue that comes on suddenly and is usually brought on by an activity or event. It is temporary and reversible with rest.


• Chronic fatigue - Persistent exhaustion that occurs over a long period of time, often with no identifiable cause. Chronic fatigue interferes with the ability to function normally.

Some common causes of fatigue include:

• Lack of sleep


• Poor diet or nutritional deficiencies


• Dehydration


• Stress


• Medical conditions like anemia, depression, diabetes, hypothyroidism


• Side effects from medications


• Overexertion from physical or mental activity

Fatigue can negatively impact both physical and mental functioning. Physically, fatigue can cause decreased performance, coordination, and reaction time. Mentally, it can lead to lower concentration, memory, decision-making ability, and problem-solving skills.

If you find yourself struggling with persistent exhaustion that is interfering with daily activities, be sure to consult a doctor to identify any underlying medical issues. Getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and setting aside time for rejuvenating rest can all help to manage general fatigue.