What Causes Fatigue and How Can I Fight It?
Fatigue is classified as having a lack of energy and motivation, which can be both physical and mental. This is often different from drowsiness, which is described as the need to sleep. A person with fatigue will often complain of feeling tired. But, because this problem is a symptom and not a cause, it is important for it to be diagnosed by a health care professional in order to distinguish between fatigue and drowsiness or if they are working in combination with each other. So, what exactly can cause fatigue and how can you fight it?
What Causes Fatigue?
A variety of different physical and psychological factors can cause fatigue. From infections to inflammatory diseases to psychological problems, fatigue is a common side effect. Some physical problems that could be causing fatigue include anemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney and liver disease, mononucleosis, HIV, the flu, malaria, cardiac and pulmonary problems, vitamin deficiencies, depression, anxiety, grief, insomnia, drug abuse, sleep problems, and fibromyalgia. Even some medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and antihistamines can also cause fatigue. When experiencing fatigue, the individual may be experiencing chronic tiredness or sleepiness, headache, dizziness, sore/aching muscles, weakness, slow reflexes and responses, impaired judgment, moodiness, loss of appetite, short-term memory problems, hallucinations, poor concentration, low motivation, and reduced immune system function. If you are experiencing fatigue, there are some things you can do to fight back.
Fighting Fatigue
If an individual is experiencing fatigue, the first thing he/she should do is visit his/her physician to rule out any underlying medical problems. Talking to a doctor can help rule out any other causes. The next step to fighting fatigue is to move. While the thought of moving may be painful, it is important for a person to get up and get moving. Studies have shown physical activities can boost energy levels in people suffering from fatigue. Sleep is also key in fighting fatigue. Sleep not only allows an individual’s muscles and joints to heal and rest, it also restores important neurochemicals in the brain like endorphins and serotonins. If psychological problems cause the fatigue, try finding a way to manage stress. Learning some stress management techniques will help a patient fight fatigue.
Fatigue can affect every facet of an individual’s life. But to fight fatigue properly, the patient will need to visit a physician to be properly diagnosed. For more information on fighting your fatigue, visit Pain and Spine Specialists today!
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