top of page

Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms afflicting our society.There are several causes of chronic fatigue. Fatigue is chronic when symptoms last for more than 1-2 weeks. 

Most common causes of fatigue and what to do about them?

 

1. Insufficient or inadequate Sleep -

Measure hours and quality of sleep. We measure what we treasure. If you are sleeping less than 6 hours and the quality of your sleep is poor (Combined Deep and REM sleep are less than 40%. Most fitness wearable devices such as fit bit can provide this data), then poor sleep is most likely to be blamed for your fatigue. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Stress (Physical, Emotional and Mental) -

If you are working over 40 hours a week and/or are undergoing significant physical, mental or emotional stress, this might be causing fatigue. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

3. Medical Conditions -

Countless medical conditions can cause fatigue. It is a good idea to undergo full medical evaluation. Even if you think that obvious causes such as poor sleep or stress are present, there may be additional underlying medical conditions. 

Nutrigen converted to JPEGs.jpg
adorable-animal-bed-236606.jpg

I can stay up late but you humans should go to bed early. Did you know that our feline friends do not need much sleep?

Melatonin levels start to rise at 8:00 pm

Human Beings need 6-8 hours of good quality sleep every day 

Stress an Epidemic:

  • 75% of adults reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month and nearly half reported that their stress has increased in the past year 

  • 1 out of 75 people may experience panic disorder 

  • 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress.  And 42% say their co-workers need such help 

fatigue chronic dis.jpg

Fatigue Evaluation:

​

Comprehensive fatigue evaluation includes,

  • Complete medical history including timeline of fatigue

  • Physical exam

  • Labs specific to your personalized needs. Some include

    1. Complete blood count​

    2. Routine chemisteries

    3. Nutritional panel

    4. Vitamin analysis

    5. Thyroid function and antibodies

    6. Plasma amino acid levels

    7. Essential fatty acid levels

    8. Markers of Oxidative stress

    9. Markers of autoimmune disease (ANA etc.)

    10. Chronic infections

    11. Food sensitivities 

    12. Environmental allergies

    13. Tests for toxins exposure 

    14. Hormone evaluation including sex hormones as well as cortisol levels 

    15. Sleep study 

​

Summary:

  1. Don't ignore chronic fatigue.

  2.  Review your sleep and stress level and take steps to improve these.

  3. Receive medical evaluation. 

bottom of page