Dealing with chronic fatigue

Are you always fatigued, have disturbed sleep, and persistent muscle pain among other symptoms? It could be chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by prolonged fatigue which results in noticeable reduction in occupational, social and personal activities. CFS is not a new disorder and the term 'nervous exhaustion' has been applied to symptoms similar to CFS earlier. The disorder mostly affects individuals between 40 to 50 years, with women being more vulnerable, but children and adolescents too can suffer from CFS. Despite different theories to explain the underlying pathophysiology of the syndrome, none has been proven. Research findings suggest the possibility of dysregulation in the interactions between the immune and the nervous systems. CFS may also be triggered by the combination of an inadequate immune system and physical trauma such as a major surgery, or period of high stress. It could also be familial. Fatigue, particularly in women is often attributed to anemia and nutritional deficiencies. 
The symptoms The prevalent symptom of CFS is profound fatigue for six months or more; it is not improved by bed rest. It worsens by physical or mental activities. The fatigue of CFS is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of memory or concentration, sleep disturbances, persistent muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches, sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, and extreme tiredness after exercising. Individuals may also suffer from psychological problems such as depression, mood swings and anxiety. The illness is sometimes difficult to diagnose. There are also no characteristic physical signs or laboratory abnormalities in CFS. Some patients may experience partial or complete remission of symptoms, but symptoms often re-occur. Diagnosis is exclusion of other known conditions with similar symptoms such as hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, obesity and alcohol or substance abuse. Treatment for CFS This focuses on a combination of approaches for symptomatic relief. This includes diet modification, good sleep, and supervised exercise and medications. Recovery is facilitated by adequate rest. Cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise programmes are effective approaches in CFS patients. The illness is usually nonprogressive and patients usually improve with treatment. Alternatively, breathing techniques, yoga and tai chi, pranic healing and reiki and massage therapy have proved to be helpful.

I'm always tired

Poor sleep really undermines your sense of wellbeing and it's good that you're seeking some help.

Quality of sleep is probably as important as quantity.

It could be that your sleep pattern is very light and that you are not getting enough deep sleep.

Also lots of conditions can interfere with sleep and daytime energy levels:

• Anxiety or depression are some of the more common influences that need to be considered, particularly if anxiety is in your nature.
• There are also many physical problems, from anaemia to hormonal problems, that can cause daytime fatigue.
• Quality of sleep can be compromised bysnoring and problems with your breathing while asleep which may effect your sleep and therefore lead to tiredness in the morning.
• Medication such as beta-blockers, and in particular propranolol, are capable of causing both disturbed sleep and daytime fatigue.

It also has to be said that chronic fatiguesometimes occurs without any obvious underlying cause found on investigation.

In such cases, an approach that combinescognitive therapy and a graduated supervised program of exercise has been shown to be beneficial.

You need to discuss this with a nurse or doctor who knows a little more about your past medical history.

You may be asked to have some routine bloodand urine tests.

You could request a trial period without yourpropranolol.

However if none of these things are helpful, be prepared to discuss how you are feeling and explore the possibility of anxiety and/or depression.

Courtesy: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk

Do you often and easily feel tired and/or sleepy without any particular reason? 
You are not working too hard, getting sufficient rest and still feel tired all the time. This problem is baffling you.

If you are suffering from tiredness problem described above then chances are that you are not getting sufficient exercise during the day.

This may sound completely contrary and even crazy. You might be thinking that you are feeling tired and I am saying that you should get more exercise in order to feel less tired? Have I gone nuts?

Top Reasons for Tiredness:
You might be surprised to know that if our bodies do not get sufficient physical movement, we will actually feel tired as well as sleepy. Our bodies were not designed to just sit idly or lie all day long without doing anything.

I am not saying that the only reason why you ever feel tired is because of lack of physical activity. Ofcourse there are other factors and causes for tiredness. The causes of tiredness may range from lack of proper sleep, low sugar levels, too much stress, obesity, poor diet, thyroid problems, medication etc.

If you do not suffer from any serious health problem or sugar problem, and still face the problem of being tired without doing any particular hard work, then chances are that your lifestyle habits like improper eating, or insufficient exercise might be contributing in some way to the feeling of being tired all the time. You may need some help and tips to stop tiredness and get back your life.

Tips to Overcome Tiredness & Lethargy - How to Avoid Feeling Tired and Sleepy All the Time
Try some tips in order to overcome tiredness and feel some energy when you require or want it:

1. Drink a glass of water: I have found this extremely useful. Whenever I have a glass of water, it immediately refreshes my mind and nerves and I feel some energy coming to me all of a sudden.

Try to drink 8 or more glasses of water a day and you may feel active and energetic throughout the day. Try to have water at regular intervals, so if you haven't had water from a long time then get yourself a glass of water. Its most probably free for you, isn't it?

2. Take short naps during the day: Now short naps are called as power naps and not without reason. They help to energize our tired bodies. Naps as short as 10-20 minutes during the day, specially in the afternoons, can really revive your dying energy levels and can make you go on for another couple of hours or more without any feeling of tiredness!

3. Eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits: They are low in calories. So you can have a lot of them without the danger of putting on too much of unwanted weight. Not only that but they are so rich in the essential nutrients that your body needs.

Include a lot of salad with your meals, and replace your unhealthy snacks like potato chips or oily items with carrots, cucumbers and other healthy food choices. You may soon notice a rise in your energy levels.

4. Spend some time in the sun: Try to get some morning sunshine. The early morning sunshine can be very beneficial to health, body as well as in keeping you active during the day.

5. Walk for 30 minutes: Seriously, walking is an excellent exercise. It provides movement to all parts of the body. If you can get into the habit of walking daily without fail for 15-30 minutes, then you may enjoy various health benefits.

Your energy levels may soar. You may feel motivated to have more physical activity than you are currently having. You may not feel like sitting in front of that damn T.V. and spoiling away your health and time.

The dose of fresh air that you can get when you go for a pleasant walk early in the mornings or evenings is also an excellent blessing. Walking alone may be boring for most, so try to take some friend along with you. Both of you can enjoy pleasant talk as well as benefit from the walking!

Ending Tiredness Problem Forever:
Finally, learn to handle stress without letting it create havoc with your life. Learning to discipline oneself and staying away from eating too much, eating unhealthy foods etc. and finally taking medical advice for chronic and extreme conditions are also in order.