By Dr. Paul Kasenene
One of the symptoms that take many people to their doctors today is the symptom of fatigue. Fatigue affects many people today and if you are one of them, you are not alone. In today’s world with our overly demanding lifestyles and hectic schedules, the number of people experiencing fatigue is on the rise. And many of the individuals who have fatigue, wouldn’t classify themselves as sick, but often report feeling “tired” a lot.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of excessive tiredness or a lack of energy or a combination . The Bigger question is when should feeling tired be of concern to you? Could it be a sign of something more serious or a symptom of a more serious medical problem?
Before you start thinking about a health issue that could be severe. you should first find out if you are getting enough rest. Thus are you getting the recommended 7to 8 hours of sleep or are you surviving on less than 6 hours.
Usually, If you are experiencing fatigue, trying to get more regular and consistent sleep is the first thing you would like to address. Aim to go to bed as well as try to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each nigh, consistently for two or more weeks.
Also, consider healthy sleep habits or what experts call “Sleeping hygiene”. Good sleep hygiene includes establishing a consistent sleep pattern, limiting daytime naps if you don’t fall asleep until late at night and taking a warm bath before you sleep. Sleep hygiene also involves cutting out stimulating drinks like alcohol or coffee close to bed time. and keeping screens- televisions, smartphones and tablets- out of the bedroom if possible. In addition, stopping use of the electronic devices an hour or two before bedtime will go a long way to improving your sleep. These screens are such devices emit excess light and the stimulation they provide may contribute to sleep problems. If your fatigue does not seem to be coming out of lack of rest, then it could be a sign that they is more likely to be a problem that needs to be addressed.
Some of the health related conditions related to fatigue are Anemia (low hemoglobin) Heart problem, respiratory problem, diabetes, depression, medications that might have steroids such as prednisolone antihistamines, birth control medication and hormonal contraception, food sensitivity or Gut problems, deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins, heavy metal toxicity, hormonal imbalance, allergens, obesity, sleep apnoea associated with snoring and waking up frequently at night and stress among other conditions.
Therefore if you are feeling fatigued, try and improve your sleep hygiene as explained above and get more rest if that doesn’t solve the problem, I recommenced you see a doctor for further evaluation and management. This could involve taking some recommendation.
