Chronic fatigue symptoms are 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 is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

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 chronic fatigue symptoms 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 of chronic fatigue symptoms

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

-Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia)
-Sleep disorders like ongoing insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy
-Ongoing pain
-An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma
-An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
-Use of alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, especially with regular use
-Depression or grief

Chronic fatigue symptoms can also accompany the following illnesses:

-Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or treat, like bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis
-Congestive heart failure
-Diabetes
-Chronic liver or kidney disease
-Addison's disease
-Anorexia or other eating disorders
-Arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which affects children and teens
-Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
-Malnutrition
-Cancer

Certain medications may also cause drowsiness or fatigue, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics.

Home Care for Chronic fatigue symptoms

Here are some tips for reducing Chronic fatigue symptoms :

-Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night.
-Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
-Exercise regularly.
-Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation.
-Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule.
-Change your stressful circumstances, if possible. For example, switch jobs, take a vacation, and deal directly with problems in a relationship.
-Take a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
-Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use.
-Consider a natural remedy.

Copyright 2005 Marc Deschamps