Tiredness

You may be more susceptible to fatigue if you:

• Maintain poor health habits
• Have existing health problems such as anemia
• Are female
• Are aged 60 or older

Additionally, according to the National Institute on Aging, these lifestyle choices may contribute to fatigue:

• Sleeping late consistently
• High caffeine consumption
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Frequent consumption of unhealthy food

When fatigue becomes persistent and begins to impact daily life significantly, it's important to determine the underlying cause in order to initiate appropriate treatment. A doctor will typically conduct a thorough evaluation, asking in-depth questions about your lifestyle, sleep patterns, and mental health to identify whether the tiredness stems from psychological or lifestyle-related factors.

In addition to a physical exam and medical history, the following diagnostic tests may help uncover any underlying physical conditions:

• A complete blood count and serum electrolytes to assess general health and detect infections or electrolyte disturbances
• Urinalysis to check for hidden urinary tract infections
• Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels to screen for diabetes
• TSH test to examine thyroid function
• Liver and kidney function tests to assess metabolic well-being
• Iron studies if anemia is suspected
• ECG and lipid profile to evaluate heart health
• PET CT may be advised in cases where malignancy is suspected

If these initial tests do not yield a clear diagnosis, additional investigations or imaging may be required.

In most cases, fatigue can be prevented through positive lifestyle adjustments. Though health-related tiredness might not always be avoidable, improving lifestyle habits can help minimize its severity.

Preventive steps include:

• Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals while limiting processed foods
• Staying well-hydrated, especially in hotter climates
• Maintaining a regular sleep routine and avoiding naps during the day
• Reducing intake of caffeine and alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Engaging in regular physical activity without overexertion, and incorporating practices like yoga or meditation

Specialist To Consult

If tiredness becomes long-term and begins to disrupt your daily life, medical attention is necessary. Start by consulting a general physician. Depending on the suspected cause, you may be referred to a:

• Urologist
• Endocrinologist
• Hematologist
• Cardiologist
• Oncologist

Treatment generally starts with improving nutrition and lifestyle habits. This includes adopting a nutrient-rich diet, ensuring 7–8 hours of quality sleep, regular physical activity, and paying attention to mental well-being. If psychological issues are involved, therapy may be recommended. Progress is typically monitored with follow-up assessments to determine the effectiveness of interventions and to modify the plan as needed.

If symptoms persist despite these measures, a combination of medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments may be required. Medications are often aimed at treating the underlying medical condition causing fatigue:

• Vitamin C and folic acid supplements for anemia
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or diclofenac for arthritis
• Antibiotics for infections; paracetamol for managing fever
• Oral hypoglycemic drugs (metformin, glimepiride, repaglinide, sitagliptin) or insulin preparations (lispro, glargine) for diabetes
• Cardiovascular medications including beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers
• Thyroid hormone replacement (thyroxine) for hypothyroidism
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine and venlafaxine

If fatigue becomes extreme, it may impair even basic activities like self-care. In severe cases, individuals might become bedridden and dependent on others for daily needs.

In addition to standard treatment, alternative approaches can be beneficial:

• Nutrition and energy drinks: Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated helps sustain energy. While coffee and energy drinks may offer a temporary boost, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid disrupting sleep.
• Meditation: Helps conserve mental energy and reduce fatigue
• Massage therapy: Promotes relaxation and improves circulation, aiding energy restoration
• Psychotherapy: Useful in addressing fatigue stemming from psychological issues such as anxiety or depression
• Yoga and light exercise: Boosts energy levels naturally, though overexertion should be avoided
• Ayurvedic remedies: Herbs like ashwagandha, ginseng, shatavari, and licorice are known to combat fatigue
• Homeopathy: Remedies like Cadmium Sulphuricum, Lycopodium Clavatum, Phosphorus, Nux Vomica, and Calcarea Phosphorica may help manage fatigue, particularly that associated with cancer

Managing fatigue at home involves identifying and addressing the root cause. Helpful strategies include:

1. Eating a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients
2. Staying hydrated with water, coconut water, buttermilk, etc.
3. Avoiding overexertion, particularly if medical conditions are involved
4. Limiting or avoiding daytime naps and prioritizing nighttime sleep
5. Cutting back on caffeine (especially later in the day) and alcohol
6. Avoiding smoking and recreational drugs

Coping with chronic fatigue can significantly impact quality of life. Routine activities such as shopping, working, or household chores may feel overwhelmingly draining.

Many individuals with chronic fatigue experience poor nighttime sleep, often due to napping during the day, which perpetuates the fatigue cycle. Additionally, some medical conditions responsible for fatigue may also bring along other challenging symptoms, further affecting well-being.