fatigue: picture: pexels
Ever feel completely drained, even after a full night’s sleep? For those with chronic fatigue syndrome, exhaustion isn’t just a passing phase—it’s a debilitating condition that affects daily life in ways most people can’t imagine.
This condition is more than just feeling tired. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) involves extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and can worsen after physical or mental exertion.
Other symptoms stated by the above source include brain fog, muscle pain, dizziness, and unrefreshing sleep. Dr Avindra Nath, a neurologist at the National Institutes of Health explains that this syndrome is a complex disorder, often triggered by viral infections, immune dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances.
One of the biggest challenges is said to be being diagnosed, as it is mentioned that there’s no single test for CFS, which often leads to misdiagnoses or people being told it’s ‘just stress.’
A study published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome found that many patients struggle for years before getting a proper diagnosis. “It’s frustrating because it’s an invisible illness,” says Dr Lucinda Bateman, a CFS specialist.
The above journal claims that while there’s no cure, symptom management is key. Experts recommend a combination of gentle exercise, like yoga or stretching, alongside cognitive therapy and dietary adjustments. Dr Lucinda further states that some patients also benefit from medication to manage pain and sleep disturbances.
If you or someone you know experiences unexplained fatigue lasting more than six months, it might be worth consulting a doctor. After all, feeling exhausted shouldn’t be a way of life.
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