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Fatigue and Our Health – Problems Caused by Exhaustion and Exertion

Exhaustion has become a major part of our lives in this fast-paced environment. The unstoppable world around us tends to become stressful for both the body and mind, leading to exertion, exhaustion, or fatigue. According to studies, one out of every three people in the United States does not get enough sleep which contributes to the severity of fatigue or exhaustion. 

What does Fatigue mean?

Fatigue is a word that refers to a general state of exhaustion or a loss of energy. It's not the same as getting tired or exhausted. When you're tired, you don't have any inspiration or no energy. Sleepiness is a sign of exhaustion, but it is not the same as fatigue. Sleepiness is a sign of fatigue, but it is not the same. Fatigue is a common sign of a wide variety of medical conditions, from moderate to serious. It's also a reason for certain lifestyle decisions, such as inactivity or a poor diet. Exhaustion is a typical symptom of a wide variety of medical conditions, from moderate to serious.

Types of Exhaustion

There are mainly two types of exhaustion, mental and physical:

Physical exhaustion – Physical exhaustion makes it difficult for a person to do tasks they normally do, such as even just climbing the stairs. Muscle fatigue is one of the symptoms, and a strength test can be used to diagnose it.

Mental exhaustion – Mental exhaustion can make it difficult for a person to concentrate and remain dedicated to tasks. They might feel tired or have trouble staying awake at work.

Are we just Sleepy or is it Fatigue?

When a person doesn't get enough good quality sleep, they become sleepy. It may also be a symptom of a sleep-disrupting health disorder like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Short-term sleepiness is more common than long-term exhaustion. It's normally treatable if you have enough sleep daily. On the other hand, Fatigue is often linked to a health disorder or problem, particularly when it is chronic. Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is another possible cause.

Stress vs. Mental Exhaustion

Every individual comes under the impacts of stress at some point in their life. It's our body's normal tendency to react to new, thrilling, or frightening events, whether positive and negative. A surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, is generated due to this biological reaction. This surge in hormones enables us to respond rapidly to potential risks and high-pressure circumstances that necessitate rapid decision-making.

Symptoms of Fatigue

Long-term stress is the most common cause of mental fatigue. Cortisol levels stay high because you're always grappling with problems that trigger the body's stress response. Regular body processes, such as digestion, sleep, and the immune system, are eventually harmed due to this.

• One can't think about something else that might be behind the exhaustion 
• Sore or aching muscles  
• Muscle weakness 
• Have a higher-than-normal body temperature 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Vulnerable to cooler weather 
• have difficulty falling or remaining asleep on a daily basis 
• think you may be depressed

Harmful Effects of Fatigue

• Severe pain in your abdominal, back, or pelvic region 
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm 
• Thoughts of harming another person 
• Reduced concentration 
• Impaired memory 
• Irritability 
• Depression 
• Lack of motivation 
• Headaches 
• Lack of appetite 
• Digestive problems 
• Impaired resistance to illness or disease 
• Reckless risk-taking

What Causes Fatigue?

• Medical causes – Chronic Fatigue may indicate an underlying condition like thyroid disease, heart disease, or diabetes  
• Lifestyle Reasons - Fatigue may be caused by lifestyle factors like alcohol or medications, as well as a lack of physical exercise. 
• Causes linked to the job – workplace tension can trigger Fatigue. 
• Emotional exhaustion and weakness – Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It may be followed by other signs and symptoms like irritability and a sense of energy. 
• Sleep deprivation- Adults need approximately 8 hours of sleep a night. Few individuals attempt to live with less sleep. 
• Oversleep- Adults who sleep more than 11 hours at night are more likely to be sleepy during the day. 
• Drugs and alcohol – Drugs are depressants that slow the nervous system and cause sleep disturbances. Other drugs that slow down the nervous system are cigarettes and caffeine, which can induce insomnia. 
• Sleep disturbances - Noisy neighbors, small children who wake during the night, a snoring companion, or an inconvenient sleeping atmosphere such as a stuffy bedroom may all cause sleep disruption. 
• Sedentary behavior and a lack of daily exercise – physical activity is believed to enhance fitness, wellness, relieve tension, and increase energy levels. 
• It also aids in sleeping. 
• Poor diets like Low kilojoule diets, low carbohydrate diets, or high energy food do not supply the body with adequate fuel or nutrients to work properly. 
• Foods that provide a fast energy boost, such as chocolate bars or caffeinated beverages, only give a quick boost that wears off easily and aggravates exhaustion. 
• Individual causes, such as medical disease or disability, as well as diseases or accidents in the family.

Workplace-related Causes of Fatigue

• Shift work – our bodies are built to sleep at night. A small portion of the brain called the circadian clock is responsible for this pattern. The circadian clock gets confused when the body is supposed to be asleep. 
• Poor workplace activities – It can contribute to a person's exhaustion. Long work hours, strenuous physical labor, unpredictable working hours (such as changing shifts), a chaotic work environment, 
• Loneliness, working alone with little or no contact with others, or fixed focuses on a routine job are examples of these. 
• Burnout is described as putting too much effort into one area of one's life while neglecting the others. For e.g., 'workaholics' devote all of their energy to their job, putting their families, social life, and personal interests on the wayside. 
• Unemployment may cause stress and anxiety due to financial strains, feelings of loss or shame, and the mental Fatigue of long-term job search. 
• Burnout is described as working too hard in one field of life while ignoring all others. 
• Unemployment may cause depression and anxiety due to financial stresses, feelings of loss or embarrassment, and the mental Fatigue of long-term work searching.

Psychological Causes of Fatigue

• Depression is characterized by emotions of depression, sadness, and hopelessness that last for a long time. 
• Chronic exhaustion is normal in people who are stressed. 
• Anxiety and stress – a person who is nervous or depressed regularly, put their body into overdrive. 
• The body is exhausted by the relentless rush of dopamine, and exhaustion sets in. Shock, remorse, sadness, despair, and isolation are all common reactions to losing a loved one.

Medical Conditions Associated With Fatigue

Several medical conditions can cause fatigue, which include:

• Anemia 
• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• Obesity  
• Heart disease 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Weakened immune system function 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Systemic lupus 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease 
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Cancer and cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy 
• Massive blood loss

Fatigue can also be a symptom of infection. Some infections that cause extreme tiredness include:

• Malaria 
• Tuberculosis 
• Infectious mononucleosis 
• Cytomegalovirus 
• HIV 
• Flu 
• Hepatitis

Chemicals That Cause Fatigue

Sleep disturbances and fatigue can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can also disrupt sleep, especially when consumed close to bedtime. Using nicotine-containing products can also make it difficult to sleep.

Diagnosing Physical and Mental Exhaustion

It is difficult to diagnose fatigue as some of the symptoms are not specific.

• The qualities of the fatigue 
• the quality of the person's sleep 
• The patterns of the fatigue, such as the times of day when the symptoms are worse or better and whether or not taking a nap helps 
• the person's emotional state and stress levels

A person's diagnosis can be aided by keeping track of how many hours they sleep each night and how often they wake up. The healthcare practitioner will do a medical assessment to look for signs of infection and inquire about any patient's prescriptions. They’ll also inquire about the person's diet, caffeine intake, opioid use, alcohol consumption, and job practices.

Treatment for Fatigue

To treat exhaustion, the doctor may find the underlying cause:

Sleep

• It is important to sleep simultaneously and wake at the same time, even on off days. 
• The temperature of the room should be cool. 
• The room should be silent and dim. 
• Screen time can be avoided an hour before bedtime because the light and sounds from a tv, monitor or phone screen will induce brain function and disrupt sleep efficiency. 
• Avoid eating food for two hours before going to bed. 
• Slowing down both physically and emotionally really helps as bedtime passes. 
• Before going to sleep, it is advised to take a warm bath or listen to some relaxing music to help get rid of anxious and troubling feelings.

Eating and drinking habits

• Diet has an impact on how drained or energized a person is. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet will help you sleep easier and feel better. Here are few tips: 
• Throughout the day, eat small, regular meals. 
• Low-sugar snacks should be consumed. 
• Avoid fast food and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. 
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables should be consumed in large quantities. 
• Avoid Caffeine as much as possible.

Physical activity

• Regular physical exercise can make you sleep well and feel less tired. 
• Many that have not been physically involved in a long time can eventually begin to exercise. 
• A doctor or a sports specialist will be able to assist you. 
• People should work out at the time of day when they are more active.

Yoga and therapies

According to one study trusted Source, People with multiple sclerosis who practiced mindfulness meditation for two months showed lower levels of nausea, depression, and anxiety, as well as increased quality of life,

In an analysis of the effects of yoga, cancer survivors reported improved fatigue symptoms and sleep efficiency. The four-week program included postures, meditation, breathing, and some other techniques.

Medical Treatment

It is important to get health treatment for emotional fatigue. A mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, will give you the help you need to deal with depression to get through this trying time. Consult a physician concerning the effects. As you work through your emotional fatigue through other techniques and treatment, your doctor may recommend drugs to better relieve your symptoms. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleep aids are some of the medications that can be taken to relieve emotional fatigue.

Mental and physical exhaustion are treatable conditions and can also be easily managed with right kind of relaxation aids. The only thing to keep in mind is to follow a disciplined schedule while working towards treating fatigue. At HPFY, we have an amazing range of best health supplies designed to help you through this journey of managing and treating fatigue and exhaustion.

 

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