If fatigue does not pass after a night’s sleep, rest weekend or relaxed time spent – this can signal chronic fatigue syndrome.
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) is an extreme exhaustion that does not pass after rest and which cannot be explained by underlying diseases.
CFS/ME in the modern world is becoming increasingly relevant: the rhythm of life is accelerating, and urbanization adds neuroticism. Many people know the feeling of “accumulated” fatigue after a busy working day, week or year. Because of fatigue, you can not worry too much if rest helps to cope with it: sleep at the end of the working day, weekends after working days and vacation every year.
Why does chronic fatigue syndrome occur?
People aged 40-50 are most vulnerable to CFS/ME. Today there is no definitive data on the main causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Scientists now agree that CFS/ME is a consequence of several factors: stress, weak immunity, genetic predisposition, allergies, the environment, and even viruses.
How to recognize chronic fatigue syndrome?
Exhaustion that does not go away and hinders daily activities for at least six months is a major symptom of CFS/ME. However, to diagnose this condition, there must be at least 4 more symptoms with:
- insomnia and other sleep disorders;
- feeling tired after a night’s sleep;
- memory loss or poor concentration;
- frequent sore throat;
- muscle pain;
- frequent occurrence of headaches;
- sensitive and/or swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
What is recommended for the treatment of CFS/ME?
If you suspect chronic fatigue syndrome, you should contact a psychiatrist. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe individual or group therapy. Among the general recommendations: restriction (and preferably cessation) of the use of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine; the formation of sleep patterns; revision of employment with uniform distribution of loads; avoidance of emotional and physical stress.
That is, the best cure for chronic fatigue syndrome is lifestyle changes. This is the only way to reduce symptoms and avoid the recurrence of chronic fatigue in the future.
