What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy. It can range from mild to severe and may come on suddenly or develop gradually over time. There are two main types of fatigue:
- Physical fatigue is an inability to continue functioning at the level of one's normal abilities. It's the feeling you get after a long workout, a full day of physical labor, or not getting enough rest. Physical fatigue is triggered by prolonged physical activity, illness, or disruption of sleep patterns.
- Mental fatigue involves a lack of motivation and focus when attempting to do mental tasks. It may be described as feeling "drained" or experiencing "brain fog." Mental fatigue can be triggered by long periods of cognitive activity, emotional stress, boredom, or mental health disorders like depression.
Some common causes of fatigue include:
- Lack of sleep - Not getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep can lead to next day drowsiness and inability to focus.
- Poor diet - Not eating enough healthy foods or nutrients like iron, vitamin B12 and magnesium can cause low energy levels.
- Dehydration - Not drinking enough water throughout the day causes fatigue.
- Stress - High levels of mental or emotional stress overworks the brain and body, leading to exhaustion.
- Depression - The lack of motivation and energy from depression makes even small tasks feel tiring.
- Chronic illness - Conditions like cancer, heart disease, hypothyroidism or autoimmune disorders sap energy.
- Medications - Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs have fatigue as a side effect.
- Anemia - Having a low red blood cell count reduces oxygen delivery making you tire more easily.
The best ways to fight fatigue include:
- Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
- Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Reducing and managing stress through yoga, deep breathing, meditation, etc.
- Treating any underlying medical issues or adjusting medications if they cause fatigue.
- Getting regular moderate exercise which boosts energy levels.
- Taking short breaks when doing focused mental tasks to give your mind a rest.
- Getting outdoors and exposing yourself to natural sunlight and fresh air.
If fatigue occurs frequently and seems out of proportion to your activity levels, be sure to see your doctor. Unexplained persistent fatigue may indicate an underlying physical or mental health issue that needs medical attention. Your doctor can check for nutrient deficiencies with blood tests, screen for health conditions causing fatigue, and rule out serious illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome.
At Vitality Health Center, we help patients suffering from fatigue caused by hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Symptoms like low energy, brain fog, poor sleep, and an inability to focus are often relieved through customized bioidentical hormone therapy regimens involving testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and more. Our compassionate providers listen to your symptoms, and tailor treatment plans to your unique needs. Regain your vitality and zest for life. Schedule a consultation today!