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01-08-2024 Team Medicover public-health

Types of Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Fatigue is frequently described as a lack of both physical and emotional energy and motivation. It differs from sleepiness or drowsiness, which refers to the desire to sleep. Fatigue is a reaction to both physical and mental activities, often manifesting as feeling tired and sleepy. Typically, fatigue can be eased by rest or reducing activity.

Fatigue is a common symptom caused by various medical conditions or lifestyle choices. If rest and nutrition don't help, consult your doctor to determine the causes of fatigue and receive appropriate treatment.

How Many Types of Fatigue Are There?

Fatigue is classified into three main types, each with unique causes and effects:

Transient Fatigue

This type is acute fatigue caused by a lack of sleep or staying awake for an extended period within one or two days.

Cumulative Fatigue

Cumulative fatigue results from a series of days with repeated mild sleep restriction or extended hours awake, often linked to demanding work schedules or poor sleep hygiene.

Circadian Fatigue

Circadian fatigue is defined as decreased performance during the night, particularly during an individual's window of circadian low (WOCL), typically in the early morning hours.

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What is Called Tiredness?

Tiredness is a general feeling of low energy and motivation, often synonymous with fatigue but typically used in casual conversation. Unlike medical fatigue, tiredness usually resolves with rest and sleep.

Types of Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue refers to a decline in cognitive performance and concentration due to prolonged mental activity. Common signs include:

Difficulty focusing
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Feeling overwhelmed

Mental fatigue can stem from stress, lack of sleep, long hours of screen time, or multitasking without breaks.

What Causes Fatigue?

Health Issues

Fatigue is a common symptom of clinical depression, which can stem from the depression itself or from other issues, such as insomnia. Other medical causes include:

Anemia, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, liver or kidney disease
Infections: Influenza, tuberculosis, and malaria
Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases: Congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arrhythmias, and asthma
Mental health issues: Depression and anxiety
Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome
Vitamin deficiencies: Lack of vitamin D, B12, and iron
Other conditions: Cancers and autoimmune/rheumatic diseases

Drugs and Medications

Certain drugs and medications can make you tired, including:

Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medications
Antihypertensives
Statins
Steroids
Antihistamines
Sedatives

Lifestyle Factors

Fatigue is often linked to lifestyle habits, including:

Sleep disturbances: Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep schedules
Diet: High-fat, high-carb, and sugary foods can trigger energy crashes. Alcohol and caffeine also disrupt sleep cycles.
Inactivity: Lack of physical activity contributes to low energy levels
Stress and overcommitment: Personal or family illness, work overload, and financial stress are common causes

Can Stress Cause Fatigue?

Yes. Chronic stress can lead to both physical and mental fatigue by overactivating the body's stress response system. Over time, this can result in burnout, exhaustion, and a weakened immune system.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

CFS is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity. Symptoms include:

Severe tiredness lasting more than six months
Memory and concentration issues
Muscle pain and sleep disturbances

A healthcare provider can diagnose CFS based on symptoms and by ruling out other conditions.

Heart and Lung Conditions

Heart and lung conditions can impair blood flow, cause inflammation, and lead to fatigue. Examples include:

Pneumonia
Arrhythmias
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Valvular heart disease
Coronary heart disease
Congestive heart failure

Sleep Problems That Cause Fatigue

The following sleep-related issues can contribute to persistent fatigue:

Working late or working night shifts
Jet lag
Sleep apnea
Narcolepsy
Insomnia
Reflux esophagitis

When to Visit a Doctor?

Fatigue can indicate a serious health problem. If you experience fatigue along with any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Muscle weakness
Suicidal thoughts

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If you're experiencing unexplained or persistent fatigue, consult a healthcare provider to assess your condition and determine the underlying cause.

Prevention of Fatigue

Prevention may not always be straightforward, especially when fatigue is a symptom of an underlying condition. However, these steps can help reduce your risk:

Recognize early signs of fatigue and address them promptly
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Exercise regularly to improve energy and mood
Manage stress through relaxation techniques
Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the various types of fatigue, including mental fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome, helps you take control of your health. By recognizing the symptoms, making lifestyle changes, and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can reduce fatigue's impact on your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fatigue can significantly impair concentration, decision-making, and memory, which in turn lowers productivity at work or during daily tasks.

Yes, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of fatigue due to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

No, while both involve extreme tiredness, burnout is usually a result of chronic workplace stress and includes emotional exhaustion and detachment from work.

Yes, regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health and increases energy levels, which can help alleviate both physical and mental fatigue.

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, one of the leading causes of fatigue due to reduced oxygen transport in the body.

Sleepiness refers to the immediate urge to sleep, while fatigue is a more general lack of energy or motivation that may not improve with rest.

Yes, Medicover Hospitals offer consultations with multidisciplinary specialists, including internists, neurologists, and sleep medicine experts, to diagnose and manage the underlying causes of fatigue effectively.