Fatigue

Definition
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Alternative Names
Tiredness; Weariness; Exhaustion; Lethargy

Considerations
Fatigue is different from drowsiness. In general, drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep, while fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor. Because fatigue is a common complaint, sometimes a potentially serious cause may be overlooked.

The pattern of fatigue may help your doctor determine its underlying cause. For example, if you wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity, you may have an ongoing physical condition like an underactive thyroid. On the other hand, if you wake up with a low level of energy and have fatigue that lasts throughout the day, you may be depressed.



Common Causes

There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common are:

An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma
Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia)
Depression or grief
Persistent pain
Sleep disorders such as ongoing insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy
Underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid
Use of alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, especially with regular use
Fatigue can also accompany the following illnesses:

Addison's disease
Anorexia or other eating disorders
Arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
Cancer
Chronic liver or kidney disease
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or treat such as bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis
Malnutrition
Certain medications may also cause drowsiness or fatigue, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that starts with flu-like symptoms and lasts for 6 months or more. All other possible causes of fatigue are eliminated before this diagnosis is made. Little relieves CFS, including rest.




Useful article. there is another one about insomia.



watched the move 'push' yesterday. quite cool. some parts are corny. haha.




recently had been suffering from insomia. listen too much of that song already. must be. lols. before i slept i would be dwelling on something.. some friend of mine has make me feel insignificant. it is depressing and disappointing to know that after all efforts i have put in, that person just don't appreciate it. maybe i should just let that person know so that he/she will feel guilty about it. haha.


was searching for my hospital receipts several days ago. i found this loose piece of paper on MJC compass lesson. it is weird for it to be lying around and not used up as a rough paper. i reckoned i didn't cause' it is useful so i read it again. it is about a girl asking her mother how to overcome life's adversity. her mum boiled carrot, egg and coffee beans. after boiling, carrot weakens; egg shell remain as it is but inside stiffens; the coffee beans changes the water.


it is not easy to be 'coffee beans'... right now, i think i am just a medium hard boiled egg. pressure from family, work and study is inevitable. however, even friendships which i relied so much on failed me during crucial times. so what's the 'thing' there for me now? i should just face the reality - family is always on the top priority, the left over will be apportioned to friends. family and friends can never be at the same rank. still, i won't be a full hard boiled egg. later no friends how? haha.


for the rest of the stuffs, i just close both eyes lah. HECK CARE!