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Fatigue: When to rest, when to worry
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some days you're so low on energy that you're drowsy by lunchtime and in need of
a nap by midafternoon. What's making you so tired all the time? Stress, poor
eating habits, overwork, even medical treatments can wear you down. Maybe it's
just a normal part of life.
But sudden or persistent fatigue, despite adequate rest, may mean it's time for
you to consult your doctor. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an
underlying medical problem.
Whatever the cause, once you discover what's draining your energy, you can take
steps to put the vitality back in your life.
Why so weary?
Taking a quick inventory of the things that might be responsible for your
exhaustion is the first step toward relief. Fatigue can have a variety of
lifestyle causes, including:
Lack of sleep. Getting even an hour less than the sound slumber you need each
night can leave you drowsy and unable to manage your daily routine. You may not
go to bed early enough. Or more likely, you go to bed but can't sleep well. As
you get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep. You sleep less
soundly. You awaken earlier.
Stress and anxiety. If you're running from one task to the next without a break,
it's eventually going to wear you down. Going through life anxious and on edge
can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need.
Inactivity. You're too tired to exercise, so you don't. But then when you do
exert yourself, you tire easily because you're out of shape. Engaging in
moderate physical activity for a half-hour most days of the week may decrease
stress, improve mood and leave you feeling energized. Don't schedule your
activity too close to bedtime, though, or you might have trouble falling asleep.
Eating habits. If you're not eating properly or drinking enough fluids, your
body isn't getting the fuel and fluid it needs. Trying to remedy this with
caffeine can backfire, especially if you consume it late in the day. Caffeine
not only makes it harder to fall asleep, it also interferes with sound sleep and
may keep you tossing and turning throughout the night.
Certain medications. Some medications, including many beta blockers and
antihistamines, can cause fatigue. In addition, some cold medications and pain
relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants that can keep you up at night.
Fighting back
To beat fatigue, try these tips:
Reduce stress
Take some of the pressure out of your day. Learn to say no. Set priorities. Then
organize your activities so that you avoid confusion. Pace yourself. Put aside
time each day to do something you enjoy. Take a midday stroll around the block,
or get up 15 minutes earlier to give yourself more time to start your day.
Manage workplace tension
On the job aggravation can add to work-related fatigue. Sit down and try to
resolve conflicts with co-workers. Become better acquainted with your boss and
clarify what he or she needs from you. Be realistic about your limitations. Take
time out to get up from your desk and stretch for a few moments several times a
day.
Be active
Try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in your day.
Don't worry about doing a full workout all at once — start with 10 minutes of
activity at a time. Whether you walk, garden, or swim, once you get moving,
you'll likely notice you have more stamina. While 30 minutes is the minimum
recommendation, you may need up to an hour of moderate activity daily to
maintain fitness and a healthy weight.
Eat well
Start your day with a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast that includes plenty of
complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits for lasting energy. Stay
away from sugary cereals and juices and caffeinated drinks. They can make you
feel sluggish later in the day. Don't skip meals; refuel every three or four
hours. Very low calorie diets are guaranteed to increase fatigue.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol depresses your central nervous system and acts as a sedative, making you
tired for hours after consuming no more than only a drink or two. It may also
disrupt your sleep, if you drink before bed.
Practice good sleep habits
Avoid eating, reading or watching TV in bed. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and
quiet. And set your alarm for the same time each day — the routine can help you
establish a regular sleep schedule. Naps are OK, but keep them short and early
in the day. Schedule workouts at least six hours before bedtime. Small snacks
may help you drift off, but large late-night meals can keep you up. If you can't
sleep, don't toss and turn, go into another part of the house and read or relax
until you feel drowsy.
When to see your doctor
Fatigue also can be a symptom of illness or a side effect of medical treatment.
In general, talk to your doctor if you're extremely tired or unable to regain
your energy after several weeks of increased rest. Medical causes of fatigue can
include:
Anemia
This blood disorder results from a number of problems that affect your blood's
ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue.
Cancer
Fatigue can be a symptom of cancer. A thorough checkup, including routine cancer
screenings, can help rule out malignancy as a cause of your fatigue.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Severe and debilitating fatigue, muscle aches and difficulty concentrating are
the most commonly reported symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. In some cases,
low-grade fevers and swollen lymph nodes also may develop. Chronic fatigue
syndrome is difficult to diagnose, and there's no single, reliable test, so your
doctor may use a very detailed medical history and a broad series of tests to
determine a course of treatment.
Depression
A loss of energy that's accompanied by any number of symptoms, including
sadness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, a lack of
interest in pleasurable activities, and difficulty concentrating may be a part
of depression.
Diabetes
Extreme fatigue can be a warning sign of diabetes. Signs and symptoms of
diabetes, in addition to fatigue, include excessive thirst, frequent urination,
blurred vision and recurring infections.
Medications
Prescription or over-the-counter medications may cause fatigue, or make you too
restless to sleep well. Antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, some
antidepressants and many other drugs may make you tired. Talk to your doctor if
you suspect your medications are making you tired.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
This condition is characterized by an inability to keep your legs still and by
tingling or aching sensations in your legs, feet or arms. The symptoms generally
occur at night, preventing sound sleep.
Sleep apnea
Signs of this disorder include loud snoring, pauses between breaths and
awakening frequently while gasping for air. It's a common source of fatigue
because it interferes with sound sleep. Losing weight and quitting smoking may
help, as well as an adjustment in sleeping position. Lying on your side or
facedown may reduce snoring.
Thyroid problems
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to make or
release enough thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include sluggishness,
chronically cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and a hoarse voice.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid produces excessive amounts
of hormone. Too much hormone also can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, weight
loss, increased heart rate, nervousness and irritability.
Once you face your fatigue head-on, you'll find that small changes will go a
long way toward giving you back your get up and go.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some days you're so low on energy that you're drowsy by lunchtime and in need of
a nap by midafternoon. What's making you so tired all the time? Stress, poor
eating habits, overwork, even medical treatments can wear you down. Maybe it's
just a normal part of life.
But sudden or persistent fatigue, despite adequate rest, may mean it's time for
you to consult your doctor. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an
underlying medical problem.
Whatever the cause, once you discover what's draining your energy, you can take
steps to put the vitality back in your life.
Why so weary?
Taking a quick inventory of the things that might be responsible for your
exhaustion is the first step toward relief. Fatigue can have a variety of
lifestyle causes, including:
Lack of sleep. Getting even an hour less than the sound slumber you need each
night can leave you drowsy and unable to manage your daily routine. You may not
go to bed early enough. Or more likely, you go to bed but can't sleep well. As
you get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep. You sleep less
soundly. You awaken earlier.
Stress and anxiety. If you're running from one task to the next without a break,
it's eventually going to wear you down. Going through life anxious and on edge
can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need.
Inactivity. You're too tired to exercise, so you don't. But then when you do
exert yourself, you tire easily because you're out of shape. Engaging in
moderate physical activity for a half-hour most days of the week may decrease
stress, improve mood and leave you feeling energized. Don't schedule your
activity too close to bedtime, though, or you might have trouble falling asleep.
Eating habits. If you're not eating properly or drinking enough fluids, your
body isn't getting the fuel and fluid it needs. Trying to remedy this with
caffeine can backfire, especially if you consume it late in the day. Caffeine
not only makes it harder to fall asleep, it also interferes with sound sleep and
may keep you tossing and turning throughout the night.
Certain medications. Some medications, including many beta blockers and
antihistamines, can cause fatigue. In addition, some cold medications and pain
relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants that can keep you up at night.
Fighting back
To beat fatigue, try these tips:
Reduce stress
Take some of the pressure out of your day. Learn to say no. Set priorities. Then
organize your activities so that you avoid confusion. Pace yourself. Put aside
time each day to do something you enjoy. Take a midday stroll around the block,
or get up 15 minutes earlier to give yourself more time to start your day.
Manage workplace tension
On the job aggravation can add to work-related fatigue. Sit down and try to
resolve conflicts with co-workers. Become better acquainted with your boss and
clarify what he or she needs from you. Be realistic about your limitations. Take
time out to get up from your desk and stretch for a few moments several times a
day.
Be active
Try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in your day.
Don't worry about doing a full workout all at once — start with 10 minutes of
activity at a time. Whether you walk, garden, or swim, once you get moving,
you'll likely notice you have more stamina. While 30 minutes is the minimum
recommendation, you may need up to an hour of moderate activity daily to
maintain fitness and a healthy weight.
Eat well
Start your day with a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast that includes plenty of
complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits for lasting energy. Stay
away from sugary cereals and juices and caffeinated drinks. They can make you
feel sluggish later in the day. Don't skip meals; refuel every three or four
hours. Very low calorie diets are guaranteed to increase fatigue.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol depresses your central nervous system and acts as a sedative, making you
tired for hours after consuming no more than only a drink or two. It may also
disrupt your sleep, if you drink before bed.
Practice good sleep habits
Avoid eating, reading or watching TV in bed. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and
quiet. And set your alarm for the same time each day — the routine can help you
establish a regular sleep schedule. Naps are OK, but keep them short and early
in the day. Schedule workouts at least six hours before bedtime. Small snacks
may help you drift off, but large late-night meals can keep you up. If you can't
sleep, don't toss and turn, go into another part of the house and read or relax
until you feel drowsy.
When to see your doctor
Fatigue also can be a symptom of illness or a side effect of medical treatment.
In general, talk to your doctor if you're extremely tired or unable to regain
your energy after several weeks of increased rest. Medical causes of fatigue can
include:
Anemia
This blood disorder results from a number of problems that affect your blood's
ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue.
Cancer
Fatigue can be a symptom of cancer. A thorough checkup, including routine cancer
screenings, can help rule out malignancy as a cause of your fatigue.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Severe and debilitating fatigue, muscle aches and difficulty concentrating are
the most commonly reported symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. In some cases,
low-grade fevers and swollen lymph nodes also may develop. Chronic fatigue
syndrome is difficult to diagnose, and there's no single, reliable test, so your
doctor may use a very detailed medical history and a broad series of tests to
determine a course of treatment.
Depression
A loss of energy that's accompanied by any number of symptoms, including
sadness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, a lack of
interest in pleasurable activities, and difficulty concentrating may be a part
of depression.
Diabetes
Extreme fatigue can be a warning sign of diabetes. Signs and symptoms of
diabetes, in addition to fatigue, include excessive thirst, frequent urination,
blurred vision and recurring infections.
Medications
Prescription or over-the-counter medications may cause fatigue, or make you too
restless to sleep well. Antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, some
antidepressants and many other drugs may make you tired. Talk to your doctor if
you suspect your medications are making you tired.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
This condition is characterized by an inability to keep your legs still and by
tingling or aching sensations in your legs, feet or arms. The symptoms generally
occur at night, preventing sound sleep.
Sleep apnea
Signs of this disorder include loud snoring, pauses between breaths and
awakening frequently while gasping for air. It's a common source of fatigue
because it interferes with sound sleep. Losing weight and quitting smoking may
help, as well as an adjustment in sleeping position. Lying on your side or
facedown may reduce snoring.
Thyroid problems
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to make or
release enough thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include sluggishness,
chronically cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and a hoarse voice.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid produces excessive amounts
of hormone. Too much hormone also can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, weight
loss, increased heart rate, nervousness and irritability.
Once you face your fatigue head-on, you'll find that small changes will go a
long way toward giving you back your get up and go.