Fatigue is characterized by an overall feeling of tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating or completing daily tasks. It can have both physical and mental components.
Physical fatigue manifests as muscle weakness, slowed reflexes, and reduced performance. It is often caused by intense physical exertion, poor sleep, infections, or medical conditions. The body uses more energy than it can replace, resulting in an accumulation of waste products like lactic acid.
Mental fatigue refers to difficulty focusing, reduced motivation, and problems with memory or decision making. It may result from prolonged cognitive effort, stress, boredom, or lack of sleep or nutrition. Mental fatigue likely stems from overactivity and eventual depletion of neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain.
Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally. Chronic fatigue, lasting more than six months, could indicate an underlying illness and should be evaluated by a doctor, like those at Balance Hormone Center. Their team combines cutting-edge lab testing with customized treatment plans to identify and address the root causes of fatigue at the hormonal, cellular and systemic levels.
Managing fatigue typically involves prioritizing rest and recovery - getting enough high-quality sleep, taking breaks, reducing stress, staying hydrated and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Certain medications, supplements or hormonal therapies may also be recommended in some cases. Paying attention to patterns of when and why you feel tired can provide insight.
Here are some key things that can cause or worsen fatigue: