How’s your energy level these days – high or low? If you chose the latter, your body may be telling you something.
It’s one thing to occasionally be worn-out after a long day or during a particularly stressful time in your life and another to constantly feel physical and/or mentally fatigued. In today’s hectic world, feeling tired all the time isn’t an option. Fatigue can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life, from your work performance to your family life and your social relationships. That’s why it’s important to understand why you’re always tired, so you can improve your condition.
Let’s start with the symptoms of physical and mental fatigue. The former include a lack of energy, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and muscle weakness. The latter includes impaired memory and concentration, lack of motivation, and an inability to think clearly.
Either form of fatigue may be caused by any number of factors. A lack of sleep is the most common reason for fatigue. As many as 40 percents of American adults admit they don’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night. However, there are many other causes of fatigue, including:
- An acute illness, such as the flu and other infections, which can sap your energy
- A chronic illness that has the same effect, such as coronary artery disease, COPD, anemia, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Stress triggered by personal or work-related issues
- Mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- Side effects of some medications
- Sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia
- Vitamin deficiencies, notably vitamin D, B12, iron, or folic acid deficiencies
- Cancer and cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Poor eating habits or nutrition
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- A recent childbirth
Untreated, fatigue can take a serious toll on your life, not only as a precursor to illness or disease but also by increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Fatigue in Midlands, South Carolina
Feeling tired all the time can significantly lower your quality of life. If you feel tired, lethargic, or sluggish all the time, it’s important to seek medical attention. The experts at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation can help. Whether your fatigue is caused by a sleep disorder, an underlying health condition, medication you may be taking, or something else, we can pinpoint the cause and create an effective treatment plan to help you find relief.
Our team of medical professionals at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation is here to guide you for a lifetime of health and wellness. Whether you need to improve your diet to lose weight, manage a chronic disease, enhance your energy levels, or improve your mood, we are here for you.
Call us today at (803) 749-1111 to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you heal and thrive!