What Does
Fatigue Mean?
Fatigue is an individual feeling of excessive tiredness, weariness or lack of energy. Fatigue may be caused by physical or mental overstresses. Physical fatigue refers to temporary inability or poor inter and intramuscular coordination while performing daily movements. Mental fatigue refers to inadequate cognitive performance that is uncharacteristic of the individual.
Safeopedia Explains Fatigue
Fatigue is not a disease, rather it is a symptom and is caused by physical overstress, overwork, lack of exercise or sleep, mental anxiety, depression, boredom, illness, medicine or treatment. Chronic fatigue is a continuous state of weariness and reduces one’s energy and mental capacity. It often worsens with further activity. In some cases muscle weakness is due to an acute health problem, such as:
- Shortage of minerals in the body
- Infections
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Nerve disorder
- Chronic disorder that causes weakness and rapid muscle fatigue
- Anemia or iron deficiency
- Depression or grief
- Medications (sedatives or antidepressants)
- Persistent pain
- Use of alcohol or drugs, such as cocaine or narcotics, especially with regular use
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Congestive heart failure
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
Fatigue can often be reduced by following activities:
- Sufficient sleep
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water
- Exercising regularly
- Relaxing
- Maintaining daily life
- Taking a leave of absence
- Talking to a doctor and taking multivitamins
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and drugs