As we get older, we realize that we are not as energetic as we once were. This is normal! However, aging has a major disadvantage: We lose our youthful stamina and energy both physically and mentally. As such, experiencing fatigue in its many forms could very well be an inevitable part of the aging process.
Read on to find out how becoming “too exhausted” could be a major health problem.
Understanding “Normal” Fatigue
Aging, as previously stated, is a common cause of decreased energy. However, there are other common causes.
The most common is a lack of sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, expect to feel tired and exhausted. Excessive exertion, such as working or playing too hard without adequate rest, is another. This is a common fatigue symptom. Inactivity (the couch potato syndrome), contrary to popular belief, also causes fatigue.
Caffeine use during the day causes sleep deprivation and fatigue. Meanwhile, too much alcohol causes drowsiness and exhaustion in the next 24 hours or so.
Finally, many medications cause drowsiness, which is comparable to fatigue. Antihistamines, pain relievers, beta-blockers for heart disease, sleeping pills, and some antidepressants are among the medications that cause fatigue.
Normal Fatigue: The Treatment
You don't have to be a doctor to understand that addressing the underlying cause should resolve the problem. Make an effort to get enough sleep if you are sleep-deprived by keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Creating a sleep routine can help improve sleep hygiene. If are inactive and spending too much time being sedentary leading to more fatigue, trying starting a moderate exercise program with the goal to just remain consistent.
If your fatigue is caused by medications, consult with your doctor about possible alternatives that do not cause fatigue. There are numerous effective medications available today to treat medical problems, with varying degrees of side effects, the most common of which is drowsiness.
Understanding Chronic Fatigue
Fatigue that lasts two to four weeks and is out of the ordinary for you could indicate a medical problem. Fatigue is a common symptom of many different diseases. It is commonly used in cancer treatment as well as major surgical procedures. It could, however, be a sign of underlying medical issues.
There are a lot of things on the list, and fatigue isn't a disease. A number of factors contribute to fatigue. To name a few, anemia, cancer, chronic heart and kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. If you're too tired to do the things you used to do and have ruled out normal fatigue, see your doctor rule out one of the many diseases associated with chronic fatigue. Fatigue is a symptom of almost every disease.
Chronic fatigue is frequently caused by psychological factors such as stress. Depression is the most common and serious type of mental illness. This can be treated, but only by a doctor. There are numerous effective antidepressant medications available; therefore, do not simply tolerate it. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of anxiety that necessitates assessment and treatment. While both grief and stress heal with time, they both contribute to chronic fatigue, which can be treated with counseling.
Understanding Urgent Fatigue
A medical emergency is defined as a sudden and profound loss of ability to perform previously performed tasks. If your fatigue is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or a sense of impending death, seek medical attention right away. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious heart or vascular problem. If this type of fatigue is accompanied by suicidal or homicidal thoughts, seek medical attention right away.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that feeling tired is normal, especially when we feel drained from daily tasks, heavy workouts, or stressful situations. However, fatigue that is prolonged and is caused by other factors could be a sign of a more serious health issue. The most important step we can do for ourselves is to listen to our bodies and seek medical attention when needed.
Depending on the underlying cause of the fatigue, ketamine treatment may help support improved sleep, increased energy, and improved clarity. Often when we alleviate symptoms of mental health and sources of inflammation in the body, sleep also improves. If you are curious whether ketamine treatment may help you and your overall health and wellbeing schedule a consult with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman today!