Chronic tiredness, also called chronic fatigue, is one of the most common complaints that bring people to their doctor. Experts say that 10% of us at any one time are suffering from chronic tiredness.This complaint is very common in women but can affect men as well. Fortunately, once the cause for the tiredness is determined treatment is possible.
What are the common causes of chronic tiredness?
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause chronic tiredness. These will be discussed later, but the most common cause of chronic tiredness is our largely sedentary lifestyle, involving eating too much junk food and lack of regular exercise.
Medical causes of chronic tiredness include the following:
Anaemia.This is a very common cause of fatigue and very easy to check with a simple blood test. This is particularly a problem for women, especially those who are having heavy menstrual periods.You can remedy anaemia with an iron-rich diet, heavy in meats and dark, leafy greens like kale, orsupplementsif you have a chronic iron deficiency.
Deficiencies in key nutrients. A low level of potassium is a common cause of tiredness. This is easily checked with blood testing, and corrected.
Thyroid problems. Over- and under-active thyroids can cause fatigue. A blood test for the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thyroid hormones, can help evaluate your thyroid function. Many individuals inAnguilla have iodine deficiency which can influence the thyroid gland as well.
Diabetes mellitus.Uncontrolled diabetes is a common cause of chronic fatigue here inAnguilla. Many people suffer from diabetes and they do not know it. A simple blood test can make the diagnosis. Once treatment is started and continued the chronic fatigue disappears in most diabetic individuals.
Depression. If your feelings of exhaustion are accompanied by sadness and loss of appetite, and you just cannot take any pleasure in things you once enjoyed, you may be experiencing clinical depression and should seek professional help.
Obstructive sleep apnoea. If you never feel rested, ask the person you sleep with if you’re bothering him or her with your snoring. Some other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea include waking up each morning feeling unrefreshed and having morning headaches.
Undiagnosed heart disease. Tiredness can be a sign of heart trouble. If you have trouble with exercise you used to do easily, or if you start feeling worse when you exercise, this could be a red flag for heart trouble. If you have any doubts, see your doctor.
Lifestyle causes of chronic tiredness
What you eat can be associated with chronic tiredness. If you are constantly tired, do not rush to use caffeine and sugar drinks because they will only leave you more fatigued as your blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly. Instead, try using a healthy diet replete with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Eating healthy also means you will carry less weight, and obesity is a big contributor to chronic fatigue.
Get adequate sleep. In this busy world many of us do not get adequate sleep. Insomnia is very common, especially in women. The causes are numerous, but it would be helpful to avoid caffeine and alcohol in the hours just before bedtime.
Regular exercise. In recent years more and more individuals living inAnguillaare having regular exercise, but there are many who do not exercise at all, there are a variety of ways you can exercise. These include walking, dancing, running, swimming, gardening, going to the gym or participating in a sport like cricket, football, netball and beach volleyball to mention a few. You should try to complete your exercise at least three hours before bedtime.
Almost all the studies that have looked at this question of exercise and tiredness, have found the same thing: Sedentary people who start exercising feel much less fatigue than people who continue to slouch on the couch — and exercise often boosts energy even more than medication. Moderate exercise for 30 to 40 minutes at least four times a week would do wonders for you.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but does not improve with rest.
Conclusion
Persistent tiredness is a very common complaint and, although there are many causes for this, it appears that the lifestyles of individuals contribute tremendously to this high incidence. A number of medical disorders can also cause chronic tiredness, therefore, individuals should see their doctor if simple measures do not lead to decrease in their tiredness.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
