persistent-fatigue.

Persistent Fatigue.

What is Persistent Fatigue?
Persistent fatigue is a prolonged and overwhelming sense of tiredness that exceeds the usual exhaustion from daily activities. Unlike short-term fatigue, it can persist for weeks or months, making it challenging to complete regular tasks or feel refreshed even after rest. This condition affects both physical energy and mental focus, often leaving individuals drained and demotivated. Persistent fatigue can disrupt work, social life, and overall health, highlighting the importance of addressing it promptly.

What are the Common Causes of Persistent Fatigue?
Persistent fatigue can result from various factors, including medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits. Below is a detailed overview of these contributing factors:
- Anaemia: A lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body can cause fatigue, as tissues and muscles don’t receive the oxygen they need to function properly.
- Sleep Apnoea: This sleep disorder causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor-quality rest and feelings of tiredness during the day. Even though sleep may seem adequate, it is often fragmented and insufficient for recovery.
- Thyroid Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, can lead to fatigue. The thyroid hormone is crucial for energy production, and a deficiency can leave individuals feeling sluggish.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue. Both high blood sugar and low blood sugar can cause tiredness as the body struggles to manage energy levels.
- Heart Disease: Fatigue is a common symptom of heart conditions, as the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can result in reduced oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the body’s tissues.
- Depression and Anxiety: Mental health conditions can cause both emotional and physical tiredness. Depression, in particular, is linked with feelings of exhaustion, even if the body isn’t physically overworked. Anxiety can also lead to sleep disturbances and increased mental fatigue.
- Other Conditions: Infections, chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disorders can also contribute to persistent fatigue.
- Medications:

Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Blood Pressure Medications
Painkillers
Chemotherapy Drugs
Antiepileptics and Anti-anxiety Medications
Other Medications: Certain antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and antipsychotics can also contribute to fatigue, either by altering metabolic processes or by affecting sleep quality.
- Lifestyle Factors
Poor Sleep Hygiene
Chronic Stress and Emotional Strain
Burnout from Overwork
Physical Inactivity
Nutritional Deficiencies and Poor Diet
Inadequate Hydration
Substance Use and Excessive Stimulants

What Treatment Options Are Available for Persistent Fatigue?

- Medication Adjustments: When fatigue is a side effect of medication, a healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative. For example, replacing sedative antidepressants with energising alternatives or modifying blood pressure treatments may reduce tiredness.
- Managing Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as anaemia, diabetes, or thyroid disorders require targeted treatments. For instance, iron or vitamin B12 supplements can address anaemia, while hormone therapy helps with thyroid dysfunction. Monitoring these conditions through regular check-ups is vital to maintain energy levels.
- Mental Health Treatments: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for fatigue linked to depression or anxiety, helping patients address emotional and psychological contributors to tiredness.
- Pain and Inflammation Management: Conditions like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from pain relief strategies, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or relaxation techniques, to alleviate fatigue caused by chronic pain.

Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting healthier daily habits is a cornerstone of fatigue management. Here’s how lifestyle changes can help:
- Optimising Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining consistent sleep routines, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a dark, quiet sleeping environment can significantly improve rest quality and reduce daytime fatigue.
- Stress Reduction: Incorporating mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, or journaling helps alleviate stress-induced fatigue. Time management and clear work-life boundaries are also crucial for maintaining energy.
- Regular Physical Activity: Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, boosts endorphins, improves circulation, and promotes restorative sleep, all of which help reduce fatigue.
- Nutritional Balance: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, provides sustained energy. Addressing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, is essential for combating fatigue.
- Adequate Hydration: Staying hydrated throughout the day supports cognitive and physical function, preventing the sluggishness associated with dehydration.
Reducing Stimulants: Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evenings, can improve sleep and break the cycle of stimulant-induced fatigue.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some people find relief from persistent fatigue through complementary treatments. However, these should be discussed with a doctor to ensure they are safe and effective for your case:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs, such as ginseng or ashwagandha, are believed to help boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage stress, improve sleep, and reduce feelings of fatigue. Taking time each day to focus on mental relaxation can improve overall well-being.