How to overcome tiredness

Increased tiredness is one of the most common health problem that is experienced by many people in their day to day life. Cause of tiredness vary. 

The most common causes are

1.Lifestyle changes.

2.Distressing hard work.

3.Competition and stress in the professional field.

4.Lack of sleep .

If you have excessive tiredness consult a doctor make sure that the tiredness is not due to any physical illness,then make some change in the lifestyle,that will help you to become energetic.

Here are few tips that will help you to become more energetic

1.Ensure adequate sleep,on an average 6 to 8 hours sleep is required.Both excessive and reduced sleep causes tiredness.

2.Eat food that is balanced and nutritious,it should contain adequate vegetables and fruits.Avoid fatty food and fried foods.

3.During menstruation,pregnancy and lactation special attention should be given.

4.Adequate water intake is necessary,during summer season drink 2 liter of water daily.Avoid carbonated drinks.

5.Regular exercise will make you energetic.

6.Reduce the time spent for for watching television and computer.

7.Avoid alcohol and smoking.

8.Control coffee intake,

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Causes and medical conditions associated with fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom that many of us experience in day to day life, but this may not be due to underlying disease. Certain factors associated with fatigue are 'normal' - and they are not due to medical problem which include fatigue due to 

• Physical exertion
• Emotional stress
• Boredome 
• Disturbed sleep

But certain people are more prone to fatigue

Predisposing factors

• Female sex
• Law socioeconomic status
• Physical and mental illness
• Personal habits and life style that increases fatigue
  (a) Staying up too late
  (b) Excessive caffeine intake
  (c) Excessive alcohol intake
  (d) Consumption of junk food

Precipitating factors

• Acute physical stresses - Infection with Epstein-Barr virus ( glandular fever).
• Psychological stresses - Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.
• Social stresses - Work problems.
• Physiological - Pregnancy, breastfeeding, inadequate rest or sleep, and excessive exercise.

Perpetuating factors

• Physical inactivity
• Emotional disorders
• Ongoing psychological or social stresses
• Disturbed sleep.

Diagnoses associated with fatigue

Only less than 10% of people presenting with fatigue has an underlying medical condition. There are variety of causes associated with fatigue, so detailed evaluation of individual circumstance by a doctor is important.

Medical conditions associated with fatigue

• General - Anemia, chronic infection, autoimmune disease, cancer
• Endocrine disease - Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism
• Sleep disorders - Obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders
• Neurological - Myositis, multiple sclerosis
• Gastrointestinal - Liver disease
• Cardiovascular - Chronic heart disease
• Respiratory - Chronic lung disease
• Obesity

Lack of sleep may be associated with fibromyalgia which present with widespread body pain and fatigue.

Psychiatric diagnoses associated with fatigue.

• Depression
• Anxiety and panic disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance misuse disorders
• Somatisation disorder

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What is fatigue or tiredness

Fatigue or tiredness is a common complaint in the general population. Approximately 15% of people present with fatigue in primary care center. Subjective symptom of malaise and decreased interest in activities and objectively impaired performance can been seen. It has physical and mental components. Patients consider it as important because tiredness is disabling, but usually doctors fails to give adequate care since it is nonspecific. Fatigue is twice more common in women than men. Association with age and occupation is not as strong as gender difference.

Fatigue is associated with 

• Decreased energy level
• Loss of motivation
• Sleepiness
• Physical and mental exhaustion

Feeling of tiredness is different from sleepiness and psychological feeling of lack of motivation but both of this may accompany fatigue.We should take pain to differentiate lack of energy from loss of motivation or sleepiness because it may point towards certain diagnosis.

Effects of fatigue

• It can decrease the performance of work
• Affect the quality of life
• Worsen the interpersonal relationship

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