Chronic Fatigue: An Introduction
Most people will experience fatigue at some point in their lives. In most cases, fatigue:
- Refers to exhaustion during or after usual daily activities
- Refers to a lack of energy to begin these activities
- May result from exertion, lack of sleep, or illnesses such as colds
- Generally goes away after getting more rest or recovering from a cold.
However, chronic fatigue occurs when symptoms of exhaustion or lack of energy last for more than six months.
Chronic Fatigue Versus Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many diseases. While
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition, chronic fatigue is only one symptom. In order to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a person must have chronic fatigue and four or more of the following symptoms:
- Substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- Muscle pain
- Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- Unrefreshing sleep (insomnia)
- Post-exercise fatigue lasting more than 24 hours.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue
Although the cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, infection, hormone levels, and stress are also believed to play a role in its symptoms. Chronic fatigue often results from:
- Sleep disturbance in combination with chronic pain and depression
- Stress
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Medications
- Social and cultural factors
- Certain medical conditions (see below).
Regardless of the cause, chronic fatigue has a major impact on day-to-day functioning and quality of life.
Chronic Fatigue: A Symptom of Many Diseases
Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many diseases. Common conditions that can cause chronic fatigue include:
If a patient receives a diagnosis of any of these conditions, they would be excluded from having
chronic fatigue syndrome unless their condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains their fatigue and other symptoms.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue
Treating chronic fatigue will depend on a number of factors. First, doctors will need to identify the cause. Once your doctor is able to identify the cause, he or she will be able to recommend treatment.
If you think you may be struggling with chronic fatigue, you should talk to your doctor about the following:
- Any symptoms you may be experiencing, including chronic pain
- Medications you are taking, including dietary supplements and alternative and complementary treatments
- Exercise and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Tips for Better Sleep
Helpful tips for better sleep include:
- Follow a regular sleep schedule. It is helpful to go to sleep and wake up at the same times as much as possible, even on weekends.
- Start an exercise program. Exercise at a regular time each day, at least three hours before bedtime.
- Get some natural, outdoor light each day.
- Avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Don't drink alcohol to help you sleep.
- Don't skip meals.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Avoid smoking.
- Create a safe and comfortable place to sleep (quiet, dark, and well ventilated).
- Develop a nighttime routine that helps you slow down and relax.
- If you're having trouble falling asleep after about 15 minutes, get up, do a quiet activity, and return to bed when you are sleepy.
Try these tips, and record your sleep and sleep-related activities in a sleep diary. If problems continue, discuss your sleep diary with your doctor.
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