It’s pretty normal to feel tired after a hard day’s work. But when that tiredness persists even after a restful sleep, you may experienceexhaustion or fatigue. Experts say the average adult will experience fatigue at least once in their life.
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Signs of fatigue
Fatigue is more than a feeling of tiredness or sleepiness. While having a nap or getting a good night’s sleep could ‘cure’ tiredness, exhaustion persists day after day and could affect one’s physical and mental health. Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and Healthspan medical director, is quoted by Women’s Health as saying:
It’s not like normal tiredness. It’s like you’re trying to move through thick mud, and think through thick fog. All you want to do is lie down and sleep – and then sleep some more, after that.
Performing your daily activities can become challenging when you’re exhausted. Here are some signs of exhaustion to look out for, according to Women’s Health:
- You can’t think straight – or at all
- Your lips are constantly cracked and dry
- You’re constantly hungry
- You feel short of breath – even when you’re doing nothing at all
- Your body is unable to fight off common cold as before
Causes
Although it’s not a mental disorder, exhaustion can be caused by a mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Lifestyle choices like alcohol or drug use, excessive or lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and insufficient sleep can lead to exhaustion.
Although not considered a mental health disorder, exhaustion can become concerning if accompanied by these other symptoms, a WebMD article says:
- Lack of physical or mental energy
- Inability to stay awake or alert
- Accidentally falling asleep, such as when driving or operating heavy machinery
- Inability to maintain or complete an activity
It is advisable to talk to your doctor if exhaustion makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Sources used:
Women’s Health: 10 Symptoms of Exhaustion: How to Know That Your Tiredness Is at Tipping Point
WebMD:Signs of Exhaustion
Insider: 14 sneaky signs you're exhausted — even if you think you aren't
Read more:
⋙ Tired in the morning? It could be your shower habits
⋙ Exhaustion: How to tell the difference between being tired and experiencing fatigue
⋙ This is why you're always so tired after a good night’s sleep
