Tiredness (fatigue) is described as having less energy than usual. It is one of the most common complaints reported to medical care providers in the US.
According to statistics, over 20 percent of Americans claim to experience fatigue intense enough to interfere with living a normal life.
Note – fatigue is not the same as drowsiness, however, the desire to sleep may accompany the fatigue.
Symptoms
It can cause a vast range of other physical, emotional, and mental symptoms including:
- impaired hand-eye coordination;
- chronic tiredness or sleepiness;
- blurry vision;
- headache;
- poor concentration;
- dizziness;
- low motivation;
- sore or aching muscles;
- reduced ability to pay attention to the present moments;
- hallucinations (sensations that appear real but are created by your mind);
- muscle weakness;
- short-term memory problems;
- slowed responses and reflexes;
- a reduced immune system function;
- impaired decision-making;
- loss of appetite;
- moodiness, like – irritability.
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Causes
It may be due to a wide range of conditions.
Examples include:
- carbon monoxide poisoning;
- iron deficiency;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- thyroid diseases;
- an underactive thyroid gland;
- neurological disorders, like – post-concussion syndrome and Parkinson’s disease;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- side-effects of some medicines, especially – drugs to lower LDL and total cholesterol (statins), beta-blockers, antidepressants, and some painkillers;
- Lyme disease;
- glandular fever (a type of viral infection that mostly affects young adults);
- heart failure;
- liver failure;
- pregnancy;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- chest illnesses, such as – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma;
- Gulf War syndrome (also known as Desert Storm Diseases);
- breathing problems at night interfering with sleep;
- having to get up in the night a lot to pass urine;
- developmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder;
- alcohol abuse;
- bowel problems, like celiac disease;
- blood disorders, like hemochromatosis;
- Addison’s disease (also referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency and hypocortisolism).
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Fatigue (Tiredness) – Spiritual Meaning and Causes
Fatigue shows that life in general, or your responsibilities, has become a burden and that all you want to do now is to withdraw to an unconscious stage (in your sleep).
Give yourself the rest you need and do not force yourself into work. By doing this you will see that you will enjoy being active again.
Prevention
Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of fatigue, especially in children and in women with heavy periods and pregnant women.
This happens because, without enough iron, the human body may not be getting the oxygen it needs for energy.
If you have iron-deficiency anemia, you may be able to replenish your body’s iron through a healthy diet. Foods rich in iron include – red kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, broccoli, walnuts, and brown rice.
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Poor Digestion
Having poor digestion can lead to many health symptoms which can over time wreak havoc on your happiness.
Note – poor digestion can be caused by an autoimmune condition or an imbalanced gut.
Too Little Physical Activity
An individual who feels fatigued may not exercise, and sedentarism can cause further fatigue.
Also, lack of physical exercise may eventually cause deconditioning, making it substantially harder to perform a physical task.
Sleep Apnea
It is a condition where your throat narrows or closes during sleep and repeatedly interrupts your breathing. It is most common in overweight middle-aged men.
Also, smoking tobacco and drinking alcoholic beverages make it worse.
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Low Vitamin D
Vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) boosts the immune system. It is also important for having good energy levels.
Direct sunshine is the best source of vitamin D.
Poor Sleeping Habits
Having a poor sleep routine can definitely affect your energy levels in a negative way.
Tips – go to bed at the same time every night (including weekends), and wake up at the same time each morning. Aim for 7 to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
Images credit – Shutterstock
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1594148/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mysterious-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-finally-gets-cause-180964290/
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.