Cause of Extreme Fatigue

Everyone has experienced those sensations associated with being tired or drowsy, but not everyone has felt those that accompany extreme fatigue. For those who are simply tired, a nap or a good night’s sleep will leave them invigorated and ready to tackle the day’s obligations and activities. Those who suffer from extreme fatigue, however, find that they consistently lack the energy and motivation needed to carry out the simplest of daily tasks, even if they are getting plenty of rest and sleep. There is no universal remedy for extreme fatigue, as the cause is either psychological or physical. Therefore, a physician should be consulted to help determine the origin of the problem.

Extreme Fatigue : The Psychological

The modern world can be a tough place to live and work. For some, the responsibilities, pressures, and hectic pace of everyday life can result in high levels of stress and anxiety. Those who are unable to successfully cope with the strain can sometimes develop a severe depression that leaves them listless, unmotivated, and in the throes of extreme fatigue. Their psychological and emotional trials have rendered their physical selves exhausted of all energy. A sudden traumatic event, such as a death in the family or a monumental financial loss, can also produce the same psychological distress. So how can a psychological problem leave someone physically incapacitated? In recent years, researchers have begun to take a closer look at the ways in which a person’s psychological state affects his or her physical state. The causal effect has not been fully established, but the anecdotal evidence of a connection between the two is indisputable.

Extreme Fatigue : The Physical

A wide variety of physical conditions can cause a person to develop extreme fatigue. Some of these conditions are very preventable and some are not. Sometimes extreme fatigue is self-inflicted. Poor nutrition, combined with a lack of regular sleep and exercise, is a common culprit. A body needs to be adequately fed, nourished, and moved in order for it to function properly. The abuse of alcohol, nicotine, and illegal drugs can also lead to extreme fatigue by promoting the unhealthy behaviors described above. Another common physical cause of extreme fatigue is the presence of a chronic infection within the body. Long-lasting infectious illnesses such as mononucleosis and tuberculosis take their toll on a body and can eventually drain away all energy. Unfortunately, the medications used to treat these and other diseases can also contribute to the fatigue. Another routine fatigue-inducing condition is anemia, a drop in the body’s production of red blood cells. Medical testing is the only way to determine whether or not someone is anemic.