Healthy living
Body matters
Tired, fatigued or totally exhausted?
There is a big difference between suffering from fatigue and exhaustion, and just being tired - and the difference matters - according to a report published in the latest issue of Oncology Nursing Forum.
Dr Karin Olson, a professor of nursing at the University of Alberta, says that health workers need to know the difference so they can treat patients more effectively. In order to help them, she has created new definitions for tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion, which she says represent three points on the same energy continuum.
Dr Olsen, who studied six ill and six healthy groups of people, concluded that fatigue is marked by a various symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping and lack of stamina. Although she looked at various sorts of people who all suffered fatigue for different reasons, including cancer patients, athletes and shift workers, the symptoms were always the same.
When fatigue is diagnosed, it indicates that the body is failing to keep up and should always be taken seriously. Tiredness, on the other hand, may make you forgetful and impatient, but it isn't a chronic condition. Symptoms generally disappear after taking rest.
Failure to make the correct diagnosis could result in inappropriate treatment. Olson notes that while there is evidence that exercise may help people who are tired, it may actually worsen the symptoms in those suffering from fatigue and exhaustion.
Caffeine and other stimulants should also be avoided by people experiencing fatigue or exhaustion as they can fool individuals into feeling they have heightened energy levels so they over-exert themselves.
"The important thing is to try to prevent or at least delay the progression from tiredness to fatigue and then from fatigue to exhaustion," said Olson. " Families and friends can help by recognising changes consistent with fatigue and exhaustion and look for ways to help minimise stress."
Tips on how to minimise stress
<li>Keep a list of things that make you stressed and try sharing these with trusted friends and family.
- Cut down smoking and drinking.
- Try relaxation techniques: stretching, meditation and yoga.
- Take up a hobby
- Take time out to unwind - soaking in a hot bath before bed can really help.
- Gentle exercise- just getting out in the fresh air can make you feel better.
- Seek professional help if you have tried everything and your stress is still a problem.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.