What is Fatigue
Fatigue may make it difficult to start or complete tasks because of exhaustion.
If you have fatigue, you feel tired all the time and have a lack of energy or a lack of motivation. In general, occasional or mild fatigue is often a normal response to activity or life. However, long-lasting (chronic) or extreme fatigue may be a symptom of a medical condition.
Follow these instructions at home:
General instructions
- Watch your fatigue for any changes.
- Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
- Avoid fatigue by pacing yourself during the day and getting enough sleep at night.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Medicines
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Take a multivitamin, if told by your health care provider.
- Do not use herbal or dietary supplements unless they are approved by your health care provider.
Activity
- Exercise regularly, as told by your health care provider.
Use or practice techniques to help you relax, such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, or massage therapy.
Eating and drinking
- Avoid heavy meals in the evening.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, which includes lean proteins, whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid consuming too much caffeine.
- Avoid the use of alcohol.
Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
Lifestyle
- Change situations that cause you stress. Try to keep your work and personal schedule in balance.
- Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Do not use drugs.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your fatigue does not get better.
- You have a fever.
- You suddenly lose or gain weight.
- You have headaches.
- You have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night.
- You feel angry, guilty, anxious, or sad.
- You are unable to have a bowel movement (constipation).
- Your skin is dry.
- You have swelling in your legs or another part of your body.
Get help right away if:
- You feel confused.
- Your vision is blurry.
- You feel faint or you pass out.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have severe pain in your abdomen, your back, or the area between your waist and hips (pelvis).
- You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular or fast heartbeat.
- You are unable to urinate, or you urinate less than normal.
- You have abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding from the rectum, vagina, nose, lungs, or nipples.
- You vomit blood.
- You have thoughts about hurting yourself or others.
You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:
- Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
- A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.
Summary
- If you have fatigue, you feel tired all the time and have a lack of energy or a lack of motivation.
- Fatigue may make it difficult to start or complete tasks because of exhaustion.
- Long-lasting (chronic) or extreme fatigue may be a symptom of a medical condition.
- Exercise regularly, as told by your health care provider.
- Change situations that cause you stress. Try to keep your work and personal schedule in balance.
