Fatigue: When to rest, when to worry

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[frontline-hepatitis-awareness] Fatigue: When to rest, when to

worry

>

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=CA6C508B-F6D6-48A7-98A21C6F3C6

F2ACA & si=2564

>

> Fatigue: When to rest, when to worry

>

> By Mayo Clinic staff

> Lately you've been so exhausted you can barely get through your morning

> routine. By midafternoon your body feels like a lead weight, and you're

> ready for a nap.

>

> Why are you so tired all of the time? Fatigue can have many causes. It may

> be related to stress, eating habits or medication. Or it may be the sign

of

> a too hectic schedule. Are you running from one activity to the next?

>

> Some fatigue in life is to be expected. But if you experience a marked

> change in your energy level or your fatigue persists despite adequate

rest,

> see your doctor. Being tired all of the time may be a sign of an

underlying

> medical problem.

>

>

>

> The tired life

>

>

> Fatigue can have a variety of lifestyle causes, including:

>

> Stress and anxiety. Is your schedule taxing? If you're burning the candle

at

> both ends, you're going to feel it. Anxiety can also cause fatigue. If

> worries are keeping you from relaxing, you're probably not getting the

rest

> you need.

> Lack of sleep. One of the chief causes of fatigue is lack of sleep. You

may

> not go to bed early enough. Or more likely, you go to bed but can't sleep

> well. As you get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep. You

> sleep less soundly. You awaken earlier. In addition, health problems may

> interfere with sound sleep.

> Inactivity. You're too tired to exercise, so you don't. But then when you

do

> exert yourself, you tire easily because you're out of shape. Boredom also

> can make you feel sluggish. If you're spending hours in front of the TV,

> you're not putting any demands on your body, and it may continually run on

> " low. "

> Eating habits. If you're not eating properly or drinking enough fluids,

your

> body isn't getting the fuel it needs for energy. Trying to remedy this

with

> caffeine can backfire, especially if you consume it late in the day and it

> interferes with your sleep. Some people can feel caffeine's effects for up

> to 10 hours.

> Certain medications. Some heart medications — especially beta blockers —

> anti-anxiety drugs and antihistamines can cause fatigue. In addition, some

> cold medications and pain relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants

> that can interfere with your sleep.

>

>

> Fighting back

>

>

> To fight fatigue, try these tips:

>

> Manage stress. Reduce stress in your life whenever you can. Don't try to

do

> everything. Learn to say no. Take time each day to simply relax.

>

>

> Exercise. Try to include 20 to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in

> your day. Go for a walk. Tend to your garden. It may be hard at first, but

> within weeks you should notice a difference in your stamina.

>

>

> Eat properly. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast to prepare your body for

> the day's demands. Then refuel every 3 or 4 hours. Limit high-fat and

> high-sugar foods. They tend to make you feel sluggish later.

>

>

> Sleep right. Avoid eating, reading or watching TV in bed. Keep your

bedroom

> cool, dark and quiet. And set your alarm for the same time each day — the

> routine will help you establish a regular sleep schedule. Naps are OK, but

> keep them short and early in the day.

>

> Pace yourself. Take breaks when you need them.

> Use medications properly. Take your medications as prescribed and talk to

> your doctor if you suspect that your medications are contributing to your

> fatigue.

>

>

> When to see your doctor

>

>

> Fatigue can be a symptom of illness. In general, see your doctor if your

> fatigue is excessive or persists for several weeks. Medical causes of

> fatigue can include:

>

> Depression. Fatigue that's accompanied by sadness, loss of appetite, loss

of

> pleasure in activities, difficulty concentrating and interrupted sleep may

> be a sign of depression.

>

> Sleep apnea. Signs of this disorder include loud snoring, pauses between

> breaths and awakening frequently while gasping for air. It's a common

source

> of fatigue because it interferes with sound sleep. It's especially

prevalent

> among overweight adults.

>

> Restless legs syndrome (RLS). This condition is characterized by an

> inability to keep your legs still and by tingling sensations in your legs

or

> arms. Symptoms can make it difficult to sleep.

>

> Diabetes. Extreme fatigue can be a warning sign of diabetes. Signs and

> symptoms of diabetes, in addition to fatigue, include excessive thirst,

> frequent urination, blurred vision and recurring infections.

>

> Thyroid problems. A malfunctioning thyroid can cause fatigue.

Hypothyroidism

> is a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to make or release enough

> thyroid hormone. The result is a mix of symptoms, such as sluggishness,

> chronically cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and a hoarse

voice.

> Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid produces excessive

> amounts of hormone. Too much hormone can cause fatigue, muscle weakness,

> weight loss, increased heart rate, nervousness and irritability.

>

> Anemia. This blood disorder results from a number of problems that reduce

> your blood's ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue.

>

> Cancer. Fatigue can on occasion be a symptom of cancer. A thorough

checkup,

> including routine cancer screenings, can help rule out malignancy as a

cause

> of your fatigue.

>

> Infections. Persistent fatigue may be a symptom of an infectious illness,

> such as hepatitis, or of a slow recovery from influenza or pneumonia.

>

> Chronic fatigue syndrome. This collection of symptoms — marked mainly by

> fatigue, muscle aches and difficulty concentrating — may represent a group

> of undefined illnesses. A specific test for chronic fatigue syndrome isn't

> available.

>

> Other health problems. A chronic health problem, such as heart disease, or

> an acute health problem can drag you down. The illness may sap your

energy,

> or symptoms may keep you awake at night.

>

> June 11, 2004

> HQ00673

> © 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

All

> rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for

> noncommercial personal use only. " Mayo, " " Mayo Clinic, " " MayoClinic.com, "

> " Mayo Clinic Health Information, " " Reliable information for a healthier

> life " and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation

for

> Medical Education and Research.

>

>

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