HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Overview of fatigue

Mō te ruha

Fatigue is the feeling of being tired all the time, even after you've rested. It's different from the feeling of sleepiness you get at bedtime or tiredness after exercise or a late night.

There are many causes of fatigue and often it's due to a combination of factors such as:

• Medical – fatigue can happen when you're sick or have a health condition such as anaemia, thyroid problems or diabetes. Taking certain medications and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy can also trigger fatigue.
• Lifestyle – too much alcohol or drugs, lack of regular physical activity, a disturbed sleep pattern or not eating well can lead to feelings of fatigue.
• Workplace – workplace stress can lead to feelings of fatigue.
• Emotional concerns and stress – fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and grief.

Symptoms of fatigue

Fatigue can cause a wide range of other physical, mental and emotional symptoms including:

• Physical – feeling tired all the time, headaches, dizziness, sore or aching muscles, poor appetite.
• Mental – slowed reflexes and responses, poor decision making and judgement, short-term memory problems, poor concentration.
• Emotional – moodiness, irritability, low motivation, feeling depressed and hopeless.

Getting help with fatigue

See your general practice team if you have fatigue and any of the following symptoms:

• heavy periods
• weight loss
• a change in bowel habits
• hair loss
• extreme thirst
• any other symptoms concerning you.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may examine you. They may do tests such as blood tests, urine tests and other investigations to check for signs of illness or disease.

Treating fatigue

There are lots of ways to manage fatigue. Self-care is one option. You may also find it helpful to see a health professional such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or a mental health professional.

On the next page: Self-care for fatigue

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 273437

Review key: HIFAT-275459