Fatigue can be described as an overall feeling of being tired or lacking energy. It’s not just simply feeling drowsy or sleepy, it’s more than that. When you are truly fatigued, you lack motivation and have no energy to do the things you would normally do. You might not have the interest in your hobbies that you had before. Things that were important to you no longer have your interest. Being sleepy may be a symptom, but it’s not the same thing. When you suffer from a constant lack of energy, it may be time to check with your doctor.
There are many things that may cause fatigue and they can be put into three broad categories:
- lifestyle factors
- physical health conditions
- mental health issues
Lifestyle factors –
Lifestyle choices can be the cause of fatigue:
- Physical exertion
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor sleep
- Emotional distress
- Chronic stress
- Consuming alcohol on a regular basis
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Poor diet
Physical health conditions – Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
- Anemia
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Infections, such as cold and flu
- Disorders of the thyroid
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Cancer
- Diabetes
Mental health issues – Mental health conditions can also lead to fatigue:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Certain medications like antidepressants or sedatives
Fatigue is a symptom of many medical conditions and it’s also the natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet. If you’re fatigued and it doesn’t resolve with rest and good lifestyle choices, or if you think it may be caused by some physical or mental health condition, consider seeing a doctor for help. At Emerge Natural Health Care we have doctors who can help you determine the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.
Call (360) 787-3615 or email info@EmergeNaturalHealth.com to make an appointment.