Dear Melon,
Firstly, apart from having a detailed medical and psychiatric history, it is crucial to perform a more in-depth assessment of the sleep patterns. Questions may be asked involving whether one feels sleepy during the day. Take routine naps during the day? Find yourself having difficulties with concentration during the day?
One may need to describe a typical night of sleep (in terms of the number of hours one gets, the quality of sleep ), other long standing medical problems , the drugs they take currently and one’s sleeping posture since sleeping in an awkward position can compress nerves or restrict blood flow, leading to temporary weakness, numbness, or stiffness in the morning.
Secondly, if the feeling is persistent and not relieved by rest, it can stem from a wide range of pathological causes, or medical conditions, as well as lifestyle factors for example:
- An under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause extreme fatigue and muscle aches because it slows down the body’s metabolism. An over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) similarly can cause muscle weakness and tiredness.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can lead to fatigue as your cells are unable to use glucose for energy effectively.
- Adrenal fatigue: Reduced function of the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like cortisol, can affect energy production and cause fatigue.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Low levels of essential nutrients can impact energy production at a cellular level. Common deficiencies include:Iron deficiency (anemia), Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome may follow after a viral infection such as infectious mononucleosis, influenza or hepatitis.
- Dehydration: This results in inadequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery with less blood volume which causes the heart to beat faster and pump harder, placing greater strain on the cardiovascular system, contributing to a feeling of exhaustion.
You are advised to seek medical attention to rule out the root cause of the problem.
Questions answered by Dr Molino, Clinical head, Equity Afia
Kimbua(Kenya)
