Fatigue is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Fatigue is usually caused by one or more lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep habits or a lack of exercise. Fatigue can be caused by medication or associated with depression. Fatigue might be a symptom of a serious illness that requires treatment.

According to The Supradyn Fatigue Survey Report, 82% of the population feels exhausted when they get up in the morning, with 85% of Indian youth [25-35] experiencing higher levels of weariness than the older age group of 36-45 years. Nearly 50% of the population One in two people (48%) admit to being fatigued frequently during the day.

It is very normal to feel tired from time to time, but feeling extremely tired for a prolonged time that affects you mentally and emotionally, it should be taken care of. In this blog, we’ll learn about the causes of fatigue, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment options available to help you regain your energy and vitality.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it is an overwhelming sense of tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest. Extreme exhaustion makes it difficult to wake up in the morning, go to work, perform your normal tasks, and get through the day. Fatigue seems like you have an overwhelming want to sleep, but you may not feel refreshed after resting or sleeping. 

Fatigue is a common complaint associated with health conditions. Notably, it is a symptom rather than a specific disease or health condition. Many conditions produce exhaustion, and the symptoms may be medical, psychological, or a combination of the two.

Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue can be caused by various factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions.

Here are some common causes:

Poor Sleep Habits

One of the most common causes of fatigue is inadequate or poor-quality sleep. Extreme weariness and chronic exhaustion can result from some sleep disorders. These can include:

Nutritional Deficiencies

How you feel is greatly influenced by what you eat. You are not giving your body enough fuel or nutrients to perform at its peak if you consume a lot of sugary meals and beverages, high-carb, high-fat, or quick-fix foods, or caffeinated beverages. Additionally, these foods may give you short-lived energy surges that result in a "crash" and increased exhaustion.

Fatigue can be exacerbated by deficiencies in vital nutrients such iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Your energy reserves may be low as a result of eating a bad diet low in vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins.

Stress and Mental Health Issues

The energy levels in your body suffer when your mind is always racing. Mental health issues like the following may be linked to a decrease in energy:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief

All these conditions can exhaust your body physically and emotionally.

Lifestyle Factors

Your activities and other lifestyle choices can be the primary cause of your fatigue.

Fatigue can be caused by:

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Being Overweight or Obese
  • Physical Exertion
  • Lack Of Physical Activity
  • Emotional Stress
  • Grief
  • Excessive Caffeine Consumption
  • Not Eating a Healthy Diet
  • Often Drinking Alcohol
  • Using Illicit Drugs, Such as Cocaine
  • Using Specific Drugs, Like Sedatives or Antidepressants

Chronic Conditions and Medical Issues

Many times, there could be some medical condition behind chronic fatigue disorder. Fatigue is a symptom of several illnesses. See your doctor to find out the cause if you find yourself feeling exhausted for extended periods of time.

The medical causes of fatigue can be classified under broad disease categories. Some of these disease categories include:

  • Anaemia: Fatigue is a symptom of anaemia, a disorder in which your blood does not contain enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to your tissues.
  • Thyroid conditions: Fatigue and low energy can be symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): A chronic illness known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by inexplicable, ongoing exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest.
  • Sleep disorders: Poor sleep quality and consequent exhaustion can be caused by conditions such as sleep apnoea or restless leg syndrome.
  • Diabetes: Feelings of exhaustion may be caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels, particularly when blood sugar is either too high or too low.

Fatigue may also be a side effect of medications you are taking to address other illnesses. This can include sedatives, some blood pressure drugs, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, antidepressants, and anxiety and depression medications.

Fatigue Diagnosis: When to Seek Medical Help

Although feeling tired is normal, it's important to know when it becomes more than a passing emotion. You should schedule a visit with your doctor if you're experiencing exhaustion and you:

  • Frequently have problems falling or staying asleep
  • Fear you might be depressed
  • Body temperature is greater than usual
  • Feel extremely sensitive to low temperatures
  • Lost weight for no apparent reason
  • Can't think of anything that could explain your exhaustion

Usually, a medical professional will start by conducting a thorough medical history and physical examination. Telling your doctor about all of your symptoms, such as changes in your eating, mood, physical activity, or sleep habits, is crucial. It will be simpler to identify the source of your exhaustion if you give more details.

Treatment Options for Fatigue

Once the doctor has identified the underlying cause of fatigue, a treatment can be chosen to address the specific condition.

Here are some common approaches:

Get Good Quality Sleep

Poor sleep is one of the most common reasons why people feel tired during the day, so it is very important to maintain good sleep hygiene and get quality sleep at night.

Here are some steps you can take to get better sleep:

  • Create a consistent sleep schedule
  • Use a high quality cervical pillow and mattress
  • Make your bedroom a restful environment (dark, quiet, and cool)
  • Don't take daytime naps
  • Skip afternoon caffeine
  • Limit or avoid alcohol, especially close to bedtime
  • Avoid screens before bed

Diet and Nutrition

Over time, a diet can help you feel less tired, but no single diet can totally eliminate your fatigue.

  • Consume small, frequent meals all day long.
  • Eat a lot of fresh veggies and fruits.
  • Snack on sugar-free snacks.
  • Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and night.
  • Avoid overly processed foods and eat a balanced diet.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help combat fatigue by increasing energy levels. Even simple activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can make a significant difference. The key is consistency – aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Medical Treatment for Underlying Conditions

If your fatigue is related to an underlying health condition like anemia, hypothyroidism, or diabetes, appropriate treatment for those conditions will be necessary. This might involve medication, hormone replacement therapy, or insulin management, depending on the diagnosis.

If your fatigue is caused by side effects from medications, speak to your healthcare provider. They may adjust the dosage, switch medications, or offer alternative treatments to help manage fatigue.

Find Time to Relax

To get rid of fatigue, it's important to give oneself enough time to unwind. Constant stress can interfere with sleep or increase the chemicals in your body that make you feel exhausted.

Healthy stress management techniques include:

  • Maintain a balanced die
  • Get enough sleep
  • Taking pauses for mindfulness or meditation throughout the day
  • Yoga
  • Spending time with your pals
  • Getting involved with your neighbourhood or religious communities

Another useful resource is a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist, social worker, or counsellor.

Conclusion

A constant sense of exhaustion or low energy is a hallmark of fatigue. It might be a typical reaction to mental and physical exertion, but it could also be a sign of a more serious illness.

Never be afraid to seek advice from a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action if you're experiencing persistent fatigue. It is possible to lessen fatigue and increase your physical and mental energy levels with the right diagnosis and care.