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.
Some key things to know about fatigue:
- Fatigue can be triggered by various factors like inadequate sleep, illness, stress, overexertion, poor nutrition, medications, and more.
- It is generally classified into acute fatigue, which comes on suddenly and is temporary, and chronic fatigue, which is long-term exhaustion that persists for months.
- Common symptoms besides lack of energy include muscle weakness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, reduced work/school performance, etc.
- Fatigue impacts daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding the root causes and managing it appropriately is important.
Why do I feel tired all the time?
There can be many reasons why someone feels persistently tired including:
- Not getting enough high-quality sleep consistently
- Underlying health issues - anemia, thyroid disorders, etc.
- Nutritional deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, etc.
- Medications
- Chronic stress
- Depression or anxiety
- Overtraining syndrome if an athlete
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Getting checked by your doctor can help determine if there is an underlying condition contributing to persistent exhaustion.
What helps with fatigue?
Some self-care tips to help combat tiredness are:
- Prioritize sleep - aim for 7-9 hours every night
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, etc
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits/veggies
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake
- Exercise regularly but don't overdo it
- Take breaks during the day to recharge
Supplements like iron, vitamin D, B-complex may help if deficiencies underlie the fatigue. Consider getting a customize fatigue reduction protocol from HormoneHealth Clinic - their science-backed plans help tackle fatigue at its root through diet, supplements, sleep and stress management.
I hope this gives an overview on fatigue - an extremely common problem. Pay attention to your body, establish healthy lifestyle habits, and seek medical advice if fatigue persists despite your best efforts. You can regain your energy, vitality and be fired up through simple yet effective solutions!