Dr shares signs and symptoms of fatigue often overlooked
As the year winds down, many people are feeling tired. But how do you know when it’s more than just tiredness? Here is what a doctor has to say.
The countdown to the summer holidays has begun.
During this last quarter of the year, many people often start feeling tired. Whether it's work stress or the pressure of exam season approaching, the truth is, many of us are looking forward to the end of the year, when we can finally take some time off, rest and recharge.
With work deadlines, studies, exams and the many demands of everyday life, people can easily reach a point of burnout during this time of the year.
But how do you know if you are experiencing burnout, simply feeling tired after a long and demanding year, or if it's something more serious, like fatigue?
While fatigue can feel like tiredness, the two are not necessarily the same.
So, we spoke to Dr Kagiso Letsabo, a medical practitioner, who shared some of the signs and symptoms that people often overlook and which could indicate that they are experiencing fatigue rather than simply feeling tired.
Dr Letsabo says fatigue can manifest in several ways that people might mistake for simply being tired or stressed.
Some of the signs to look out for include:
Difficulty concentrating
One of the signs that you might be suffering from fatigue is having trouble focusing or making decisions.
Dr Letsabo says the feeling is often described as “brain fog”. He adds that some might even find themselves easily distracted.
Mood changes
Dr Letsabo says fatigue can also affect your mood.
"This may include increased irritability, anxiety or depressive symptoms, which people may not necessarily recognise as being linked to fatigue," says Dr Letsabo.
Generalised body weakness
Do you feel tired even after resting? According to Dr Letsabo, this might be another sign of fatigue.
He says although this can sometimes be confused with a lack of motivation or procrastination, particularly when you find yourself struggling to get through everyday tasks, it must not be overlooked.
Sleep disturbances
Some people who suffer from fatigue can find themselves battling to sleep, while others may sleep too much but still wake up feeling tired.
Dr Letsabo says some people may also become highly reliant on caffeine in an attempt to get through the day, but it may provide little relief.
Changes in appetite
Dr Letsabo warns that changes in appetite can also be a sign of fatigue.
He says some people may experience increased cravings for comfort foods or lose their appetite. These changes can sometimes be dismissed as being related to stress.
Physical symptoms
Fatigue can also present through physical symptoms, including body aches, headaches and gastrointestinal issues.
These symptoms may appear unrelated at first but can sometimes accompany fatigue.
Reduced coordination
A noticeable decline in physical coordination or slower reaction times can also be a sign.
When does fatigue become a concern?
Dr Letsabo says fatigue should not be ignored. He says fatigue becomes a concern when it persists for weeks or months without improvement or starts interfering with your daily activities, work or relationships.
He also says symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent headaches or changes in mental status are concerning, and those who experience them should seek medical advice.
Dr Letsabo says fatigue can also be concerning when it occurs without a clear cause, particularly in someone who was previously healthy.
Another warning sign is when depressive symptoms begin to occur frequently without improvement.
“If things that previously used to give you joy also start to be boring and dreadful,” this may be another indication that it is time to seek help, he says.
A person should see a doctor if they experience any of these signs or if fatigue is beginning to impact their quality of life.
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