SUNDAY, June 16, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Knowing the difference between just being tired and the possible onset of fatigue can make a big difference. It's not just a matter of getting a couple of hours' extra sleep.
The Mayo Clinic has developed fatigue indicators that show how serious the condition can be. It's hard to define, because its symptoms can be different for each person. Some indicators that a person is suffering from fatigue include many different physical ailments or anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, lack of exercise, or too much exercise.
When seeing a person with fatigue, a doctor may uncover a medical problem such as a thyroid imbalance, anemia, depression or diabetes. If there is no illness, says the June issue of the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, your doctor may recommend the following approaches to managing your fatigue:
- Exercise gradually but steadily. Start slowly, so you don't increase your fatigue, and try to build up to 20-30 minutes of activity per day.
- Learn stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
- Set a manageable and even pace. Set priorities and manage your time and energy efficiently.
- Practice good sleep habits. Establish a ritual for going to bed. Limit naps, don't take work to bed, don't consume caffeine, and set firm times for going to bed and waking up.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Don't fill up on high-fat or sugary foods, which tend to make you feel sluggish.
More information
Sometimes, fatigue can degenerate into a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome, which is being taken seriously by the U.S. government. This site from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses its symptoms and treatment.
