Friday, March 22, 2024

What Is Causing My Extreme Fatigue

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Do I Need To See A Doctor

Top 5 Extreme Fatigue Causes

If you can figure out the reason for feeling tired yourself, and do something about it, then no. If the tiredness is getting in the way of your life, or making you feel unhappy, or you feel unwell, then yes, you should visit your doctor.

You should definitely see a doctor if you feel tired and have lost weight without trying to. Also see a doctor if you have other symptoms as well as being tired, such as coughing up blood, a change in the way your guts are working, heavy periods or a lump somewhere it shouldn’t be.

Why Am I So Tired The K Health Guide To Fatigue

Are you feeling tired all the time? Are you not able to function properly due to extreme fatigue? The solutions may be relatively simple, such as making sure you get enough sleep, or making some changes to your diet. But extreme tiredness can also be a symptom of other diseases. Read on to learn about the causes of chronic fatigue, what to do to help yourself become more energetic, and when to see a doctor.

How Do I Get My Energy Back

Here are nine tips: Control stress. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Lighten your load. One of the main reasons for fatigue is overwork. Exercise. Exercise almost guarantees that youll sleep more soundly. Avoid smoking. Restrict your sleep. Eat for energy. Use caffeine to your advantage. Limit alcohol.

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What Should I Know About Fatigue

What is the Definition of Fatigue?

Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy and motivation that can be physical, mental or both. Fatigue is not the same as drowsiness, but the desire to sleep may accompany fatigue. Apathy is a feeling of indifference that may accompany fatigue or exist independently. In addition, individuals often describe fatigue using a variety of terms including weary, tired, exhausted, malaise, listless, lack of energy and feeling run down.

How Common is Fatigue?

Fatigue is common. About 20% of Americans claim to have fatigue intense enough to interfere with living a normal life. A physical cause has been estimated to be responsible 20% to 60% of the time, while emotional or mental causes comprise the other 40% to 80% of cases of fatigue. Unfortunately, fatigue can occur in normal individuals that experience intense physical or mental activity .

However, in contrast to fatigue that occurs with some diseases and syndromes, normal fatigue in healthy individuals is quickly relieved in a few hours to about a day when the physical or mental activity is reduced. Also, people occasionally experience fatigue after eating , which can be a normal response to food, especially after large meals and this may last about 30 minutes to several hours.

1. Have severe chronic fatigue for at least six months or longer with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis and

Common Causes Of Fatigue

The Extreme Fatigue Epidemic

If you are feeling constantly tired, the first thing you should do is see your personal physician for a checkup. Your doctor can take a careful history, perform a physical exam, and do any needed testing to determine the cause of your fatigue.

A few of the possible causes of fatigue include the following:

Also Check: How To Help Fibromyalgia Fatigue

How Can I Help My Child

To help your child cope with the emotional symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome:

  • Encourage your child to keep a daily diary to identify times when he or she has the most energy and help plan activities for these times.
  • Have your doctor plan an exercise program to maintain strength at whatever level is possible. This can help your child feel better physically and emotionally.
  • Help your child to recognize and express feelings, such as sadness, anger, and frustration. It’s OK to grieve the loss of energy.
  • Get support from family and friends because emotional health is important when coping with a chronic health problem.
  • Allow more time for your child to do things, especially activities that take concentration or physical exertion.

Question: What Causes Fatigue In Men

Many men feel tired and overwhelmed each day, especially with the busy lives that many people lead. Lifestyle factors can cause low energy levels, such as sleep patterns, exercise, and diet. Medical conditions, such as low testosterone and sleep apnea, can also cause low energy levels in men.

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What Else Causes Fatigue

Some lifestyle habits can make you feel tired. Here are some things that may be draining your energy:

  • Staying up too late. A good night’s sleep is important to feeling refreshed and energetic. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
  • Having too much caffeine. Drinking caffeinated drinks like soda, tea, or coffee late in the day can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Limit the amount of caffeine you have during the day and avoid it in the evening.
  • Drinking too much alcohol.Alcohol changes the way you think and act. It may also interact with your medicines.
  • Eating junk food. Say “no thanks” to food with empty calories, like fried foods and sweets, which have few nutrients and are high in fat and sugars. Choose nutritious foods to get the energy you need to do the things you enjoy.
  • Getting too little or too much exercise. Regular exercise can boost your energy levels, but dont overdo it.

What Medical Conditions Cause Fatigue

Why Am I So Tired? Understanding Extreme Fatigue

Hundreds of conditions and disorders lead to fatigue. Some of the most common causes of fatigue include:

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Causes Of Extreme Fatigue

In order to understand why you are so chronically exhausted, you need to first understand some of the main causes of extreme fatigue that you might be experiencing.

Below I elaborate on 5 of the main sources of mental, physical and emotional tiredness.

Please keep in mind that extreme fatigue is not simply something of the body it is a condition of the mind and spirit as well.

1. Unexpressed thoughts and emotions.

When we are not transparent with our thoughts and feelings we grow resentful, bitter and oppressed, feeling misunderstood, taken for granted or treated as worthless beings by other people.

Although we might blame other people for their insensitivity or intimidating personalities, it is really our choice not to express our authentic needs, desires and opinions.

However, dont mistake sharing your thoughts and emotions with slamming them in other peoples faces angrily or obnoxiously.

To openly express our feelings and opinions we need to be firm but approachable, vulnerable but self-possessed.

Solution: Learning to be assertive and learning how to communicate openly but confidently is a vital life skill which will prevent you from repressing your authenticity. I highly recommend this book for starters.

2. Refusal to face or process uncomfortable feelings.

3. Self-betrayal.

When we betray ourselves we refuse to acknowledge our hopes, dreams and desires for life as valuable or worthy.

4. Disconnection from ones body.

5. Too much noise, not enough solitude.

When Is Fatigue Considered Extreme

There is no good criteria for assessing the level of fatigue it depends on the person. However, most people know when their tiredness is more than a lack of sleep. Some of my patients remember the exact day they got hit with fatigue so overwhelming that they knew something was wrong.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

POTS is a common condition affecting an estimated one to three million Americans. Researchers dont fully understand the causes of POTS, but it is more common in women than men and is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults.

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How Does Fatigue Impact People With Fibromyalgia

Fatigue Without Fibromyalgia

Locating the reason for fatigue is important. Once you know what is causing it, it becomes easier to treat, and symptoms will begin to subside.

General causes for fatigue are split into three categories:

  • Physical conditions, such as the flu, viruses, colds, anemia, etc.
  • Mental health issues, such as stress, depression, and seasonal effective disorder.
  • Lifestyle choices, such as a lack of exercise, poor sleep, obesity, poor diet, medications, or illicit drugs.

The Awakened Empath Ebook:

Why Am I Always Tired? 12 Causes Of Low Energy And Extreme ...

Solution: What time in your day can you make to spend time alone, without stimulation or escapism? What can you do, or not do, in your solitude to get back in touch with your soulful center?

There are many causes of extreme fatigue and all are linked to your physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being as we have seen above.

Beginning the journey of healing really starts with the development of self-awareness and the willingness to be honest with yourself.

Taking self-responsibility was the number one way I learned to overcome my extreme fatigue, and I encourage you to take the same courageous path as well.

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Illnesses That Can Cause Extreme Fatigue

Many people do not understand how someone can be feeling tired all the time. However, the reality is that many people have trouble dealing with chronic fatigue. They always feel tired, have trouble staying awake, have trouble concentrating, and ultimately fatigue seems to take over all facets of their lives. While normally we all feel fatigued when suffering from some bacterial or viral infection or any other medical condition, there are many reasons why you might be feeling fatigued all the time. A constant lack of energy and continuing fatigue could be an indication of an underlying medical condition. There are many illnesses that can make you feel fatigued. So what illnesses can cause extreme fatigue and how do you deal with chronic fatigue? Lets take a look.

Rheumatoid Arthritis And Fatigue

Symptoms: Fatigue, morning stiffness, joint pain, inflamed joints

Rheumatoid arthritis , a type of inflammatory arthritis, is another cause of excessive fatigue. Because joint damage can result in disability, early and aggressive treatment is the best approach for rheumatoid arthritis.

Medications that may be used early in mild RA include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Other drugs used in more serious forms of RA include the anti-cytokine therapies , as well as shots and other forms of treatment.

Other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and Sjogren’s disease, may also cause fatigue.

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Can Emotions Cause Fatigue

Are you fearful about the future? Do you worry about your health and who will take care of you? Are you afraid you are no longer needed? Emotional stresses like these can take a toll on your energy. Fatigue can be linked to many conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress from financial or personal problems
  • Feeling that you no longer have control over your life

Not getting enough sleep can also contribute to fatigue. Regular physical activity can improve your sleep. It may also help reduce feelings of depression and stress while improving your mood and overall well-being. Yoga, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy could also help you get more rest. Talk with your doctor if your mental well-being is affecting your sleep or making you tired.

How Would You Describe Fatigue Associated With Pots

I’m pregnant and have extreme fatigue that affects my ability to function. Why? What can I do?

People with POTS experience fatigue differently. Many describe it as feeling beyond exhausted. Its as if your energy is completely depleted. The fatigue is probably hundreds of times worse than your worst flu. People with POTS may also have trouble concentrating and thinking straight. Doing simple tasks may feel like youve just run a marathon.

This fatigue might come and go, hitting you without warning daily, weekly or less frequently. For some people, extreme fatigue lasts for days. Others may experience periodic attacks. It can come on at any moment even if you just woke up. And there is no amount of sleep or coffee that can make it go away.

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When Should You Seek Medical Advice

If you are feeling fatigued rather often and you cannot pinpoint the reason, you must make an appointment to visit your doctor. Fatigue can sometimes be caused by a serious medical condition.

If you notice any unnerving symptoms, please visit your nearest hospital immediately. Some examples are:

  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Shortness of breath

Where To Get Help

  • Your doctor
  • Wilson J, Morgan S, Magin P, et al. 2014, Fatigue a rational approach to investigation, Australian Family Physician, vol. 43, no. 7, pp. 457-461, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. More information here.
  • Fatigue, 2013, MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. More information here.
  • Fatigue, Mayo Clinic, USA. More information here.
  • Fatigue in the workplace, WorkSafe Victoria. More information here.

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Why Am I So Tired

You may be asking yourself, Why am I always tired? Why cant I seem to get out of this low-energy fog? First of all, youre not alone. Fatigue is a common problem and can manifest as feeling tired physically and/or mentally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 15.3% of women and 10.1% of men regularly feel very tired or exhausted.

We all know that feeling exhausted reduces our ability to work effectively, manage day-to-day routines, and maintain family and social relationships. Extreme fatigue can cause us to be more prone to irritability and mood swings. Tragically, drowsiness when driving also causes about 72,000 car crashes a year in the U.S.

How Can My Doctor Manage Fatigue

Stress &  Fatigue â by Kelly Brown â Birch Wellness Center

To find out what is causing your fatigue, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and medications and will conduct a physical examination. They might order some lab tests to test blood and urine. If you are a woman of child-bearing age, your provider will probably order a pregnancy test.

To relieve fatigue, your provider will treat the condition or disorder thatâs causing it. Depending on your health, your treatment plan may include a combination of medication, exercise, or therapy. If youâre taking a medication that makes you feel exhausted, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of stopping the medication or trying another one.

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Is It Sleepiness Or Fatigue

Sleepiness can occur when a person does not get enough good quality sleep, or when they have a lack of stimulation. It can also be a symptom of a health condition that interferes with sleep, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.

Sleepiness is more likely to be short-term than fatigue. It is usually treatable with regular and consistent sleep.

However, fatigue especially when it is chronic is often associated with a health condition or problem. It may also be its own chronic condition, called chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Fatigue is associated with many health conditions and lifestyle factors. The sections below will outline these in more detail.

What Exams Procedures And Tests Diagnose The Cause Of Fatigue

For the evaluation of fatigue, the health care practitioner will take a complete history of the patient’s fatigue, along with questions in regard to associated symptoms. The health care practitioner may inquire about the following activities and symptoms to determine the probable cause of the fatigue:

Quality of Life

Does the level of fatigue remain constant throughout the day? Does the fatigue get worse as the day goes on, or does the fatigue begin at the start of the day? Is there a pattern to the fatigue ? Does the fatigue occur at regular cycles? How is the person’s emotional state? Does the person feel unhappiness or disappointment in life? Sleep pattern determination. How much sleep is the person getting? During what hours does the person sleep? Does the person awake rested or fatigued? How many times does the person awake during sleep? Are they able to fall back asleep? Does the person get regular exercise? Any exercise? Has the person had any new stressors in their life? Change in relationships, jobs, school, or living arrangements? What is the person’s diet? Is there a high intake of coffee, sugar, or excessive amounts of food?

The definitive diagnosis depends on discovering the underlying cause of the fatigue this is determined by evaluating the history, the physical exam and the appropriate test results.

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