What is the difference between fatigue and lack of energy

There's a vicious cycle that comes with more chronic fatigue: in essence, you're so tired you can't sleep. And because you can't sleep, you get stuck in this holding pattern of total exhaustion. Often you know why you're feeling a bit sleepy: you stayed up to watch just one more episode of that show, or you woke up early to make a gym class, cutting into your eight hours of rest.

But if you find yourself feeling occasionally drowsy despite clocking in eight hours regularly, Dr. Harris suggests talking to your doctor about issues that could be impacting your sleep quality. Just a few potential suspects might be sleep apnea, circadian rhythm issues, and narcolepsy. Fatigue, previously thought to arise out of sleeplessness, is now being recognised as a condition with numerous underlying factors at work, such as mental health issues, long-term illness or stress.

These symptoms may sound similar to those of tiredness but they usually last longer and are more intense. Feeling tired all the time is a common complaint but experts are now urging doctors to take such issues more seriously as it can have a significant impact on your well-being, and are often a warning sign of a larger health condition. As I have mentioned, a number of factors can contribute towards fatigue — prolonged sleeplessness, stress, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea and obesity can all be underlying triggers.

Interestingly, although the main cause may be different, most sufferers report experiencing similar symptoms. There is a theory that some instance of fatigue could be caused by a problem with our circadian rhythm. However, since the SCN makes decisions based on how much light is hitting your retina, it can become disrupted.

Once it is disrupted, this, and not sleep deprivation , can affect your energy levels throughout the day, making you feel more lethargic and fatigued.

This possibly is what may influence emotional disorders such as SAD. Nevertheless, there is no definitive reason as to why fatigue occurs and, since often it is merely a symptom of an overarching illness, it can be difficult to identify and treat. Despite how difficult it is to accurately pinpoint what causes fatigue, there are still a number of steps that you can take to reduce the difficult symptoms.

Some of these steps may involve making a few simple lifestyle changes. Your diet is extremely important when it comes to fighting the symptoms of fatigue. When asked about diet and fatigue, Emma advises that " getting plenty of complex carbohydrates into your diet can help, along with sources of healthy fats and fibre. If you are deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, like calcium or magnesium , then the best way to improve your intake is through dietary sources!

If you consume too many caffeinated beverages, it can trick your body into thinking that you have more energy available than you actually do. Not to mention, caffeine can linger in your system for hours, potentially disrupting your sleep pattern and exacerbating your symptoms!

Instead, Emma recommends drinking plenty of plain water and swapping out your coffee for our caffeine-free alternative Bambu. Well, earlier I did mention obesity and it turns out that this health complaint does have a toxic relationship with fatigue. Obesity makes you vulnerable to a number of nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency, which can cause anaemia.

Also, because movement is so hard, it can make you more predisposed to leading a sedentary lifestyle. So while exercise might not directly help with fatigue, it can help with larger causes such as obesity and stress, which once combatted efficiently, can reduce the rest of your symptoms. If you are going to start exercising, I would recommend starting with a low-impact, gentle form of exercise such as yoga, which can also encourage mindfulness and teach you breathing techniques to help you cope with stress!

Packed full of fatigue-fighting electrolytes and vitamins, including calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, this strawberry-flavoured drink is ideal for helping to boost your energy.

You can drink it whenever you feel most tired, such as in the morning or when your energy slumps in the afternoon. It also makes a good post-workout drink. Read more customer reviews. Also available in the following size: 21 x 5. Join Now. I would start by making small, simple changes.

Try to regulate your sleep pattern too — go to bed at the same time every night and try to avoid your devices for a least an hour before bedtime. You could also try getting out in the fresh air, especially during winter, to optimise your chances of absorbing more vitamin D.

If you feel you could do with a little extra help, it might be worthwhile also trying our natural stress relief remedy, AvenaCalm , which can help to gently relax your nervous system, enabling you to cope better with anxious or stressful emotions. Sleep, arguably, has the biggest impact over your health and wellbeing, with poor sleep being associated with everything from weight-gain to hormonal imbalances.

If you are getting enough sleep, good nutrition and exercising regularly but still find it hard to perform everyday activities, concentrate or be motivated at your normal levels, you may be experiencing fatigue that needs further investigation.

There are a number of diseases and disorders which trigger fatigue. If you experience prolonged bouts of fatigue, consult your doctor. Studies suggest that psychological factors are present in at least 50 per cent of fatigue cases. These may include:. As fatigue can present a vast range of symptoms and be caused by many different factors working in combination, diagnosis can be difficult.

Your doctor may diagnose fatigue using a number of tests including:. Fatigue is a symptom —something you can feel and describe — not a condition or disease. To reduce your fatigue you first need to understand what the underlying reasons for your fatigue are. If fatigue is having a negative effect on your quality of life, or causing you distress, then consider speaking with a health professional. By asking questions, they will help you work out why you are experiencing fatigue, and offer some suggestions on how to find relief.

If necessary, your doctor might suggest certain medical tests if there is a reasonable chance the cause of your fatigue may be an undiagnosed medical issue for example, anaemia or thyroid dysfunction.

Fortunately, for most people fatigue will get better over time on its own or with some simple and practical lifestyle changes. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Dummy sucking should stop before school age to avoid teeth or mouth problems. Activity and nutrition help fight fatigue and put more energy into your daily life. If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible. Getting enough sleep is vital.

Long term sleep deficiency can affect your mood. You can improve your sleep quality. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner. Medicines you take.

Certain medicines, such as blood thinners anticoagulants , medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse. Recent health events , such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.

Your health habits and lifestyle , such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel. Try Home Treatment You have answered all the questions. Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms. Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect.

You may need care sooner. Symptoms of serious illness may include: A severe headache. A stiff neck. Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert. Extreme fatigue to the point where it's hard for you to function. Shaking chills.

Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following: The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll. The baby doesn't respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to. The baby is hard to wake up. Symptoms of a heart attack may include: Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest. Shortness of breath. Nausea or vomiting. Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.

Lightheadedness or sudden weakness. A fast or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms may include: Numbness, weakness, or lack of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.

Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Trouble speaking. Confusion or trouble understanding simple statements. Problems with balance or coordination for example, falling down or dropping things. Heartbeat changes can include: A faster or slower heartbeat than is normal for you. This would include a pulse rate of more than beats per minute when you are not exercising or less than 50 beats per minute unless that is normal for you.

A heart rate that does not have a steady pattern. Skipped beats. Extra beats. Many prescription and nonprescription drugs can cause weakness and fatigue. A few examples are: Antianxiety medicines. High blood pressure medicines. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.

You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.

If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Call or other emergency services now. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor.