Understanding Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Fatigue FAQ
What does fatigue mean?
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/13/2023. Learn more about our editorial process. The definition of fatigue is extreme tiredness. Severe fatigue makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning and make it through your day.
Is being sleepy a symptom of fatigue?
When you’re fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it’s not the same thing. Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in severity from mild to serious. It’s also a natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet.
Is fatigue a symptom of depression?
Fatigue is a common symptom of clinical depression, either due to the depression itself or associated problems, such as insomnia. Fatigue can also result from the following mental health issues: Health conditions and other factors that affect hormones can cause fatigue. These include: Certain drugs and medications can cause fatigue. These include:
What are the different types of fatigue?
There are two main types of fatigue: physical and mental. A person with physical fatigue may find it physically hard to do the things they usually do, such as climbing the stairs. Symptoms include muscle weakness, and diagnosis may involve completing a strength test.
What are the symptoms of fatigue?
Other fatigue symptoms include: Tired eyes. Tired legs. Whole body tiredness. Stiff shoulders. Malaise (discomfort/uneasiness). Boredom. Impatience. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy What causes fatigue?
What causes fatigue?
Quick fix foods (such as chocolate bars or drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar), only give a short-term energy boost that quickly wears off and may contribute or cause fatigue. Individual factors – personal illness or injury, illnesses or injuries in the family, too many commitments (for example, working two jobs) or financial problems.
How does fatigue affect a person's health?
And the cause might be unclear. Fatigue reduces energy, the ability to do things and the ability to focus. Ongoing fatigue affects quality of life and state of mind. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
Fatigue References
If you want to know more about Fatigue, consider exploring links below:
What Is Fatigue
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatigue
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/fatigue-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment-4768481
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/causes/sym-20050894
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21206-fatigue
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue