Feeling tired seems to be many peoples’ default mode. After all, we’re not machines – our bodies need time to rest and recover after activity. And working ourselves for long hours month after month, with stress levels permanently on overdrive, can cause problems with our health. Whether it is physical or mental, tiredness is the body’s red flag to stop and give yourself time to relax. But what if your fatigue doesn’t go away, even with rest? When does tiredness become hyper-fatigue? What is hyper-fatigue and what can be done about it?
Discovering hyper-fatigue: The causes
What’s the difference between fatigue and hyper-fatigue? Fatigue will go away with enough rest, but hyper-fatigue is severe and rest alone is not enough to improve symptoms – a comprehensive medical approach is required to recover.
Hyper-fatigue is considered to be an extreme level of exhaustion which usually happens if a person is not taking enough rest in comparison to the load in their life. Some of the most common symptoms of hyper-fatigue can include – poor focus, brain fog, problems with memory recall, irritability, taking much longer to complete basic tasks, and more.
But did you know that hyper-fatigue can also occur as a result of an underlying health issue? Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid issues and anaemia are some of the most common causes of hyper-fatigue. And while people still overlook mental health as a concern, research has shown that poor mental health can take a huge toll on our bodies. In fact, 41.2% of people with depression exhibited symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Even seemingly perfectly healthy individuals can be susceptible to hyper-fatigue. If you feel that you are fit and in good health but are feeling so fatigued that rest doesn’t make a difference, it is prudent to get checked for vitamin deficiencies, in particular vitamin D and vitamin B. Vitamin deficiency is one of the most common reasons for feeling tired all the time.
A vitamin deficiency can lead to many health issues but can be difficult to pinpoint accurately without testing as the symptoms of many deficiencies cross over with other conditions. For example, feeling fatigued could not only be a result of low vitamin D, iron, or low vitamin B12 levels, but also hundreds of other health conditions.
How to beat hyper-fatigue
It is possible to beat hyper-fatigue, but requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both lifestyle changes, and in some cases medical intervention.
Set aside the ‘must do everything’ outlook
It is important to sideline any superman-esque expectations you have of yourself and accept that something has to change. That it may not be possible to commit to as many responsibilities as you might want to. One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal for helping to beat hyper-fatigue is decision-making.
By this, we mean carefully choosing what you spend your energy on. What absolutely must happen? What can be put off for a while? Delegated? Does the car really need washing this week? Prioritising only the essential commitments is a tricky change in mindset, but putting your health first is the first vital step to recovering from fatigue.
Consider how you fuel your body
Energy comes from our cells. However, the cells (and our body) only work to their full potential when fuelled correctly. By this, we mean that they are getting enough vitamins and minerals to carry out the cellular processes that keep our organs and everything else running smoothly. Good nutrition is a really important aspect of recovering from hyper-fatigue.
A balanced diet that places a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables and lean proteins is a great place to start. Chicken, lentils and chickpeas are rich sources of vitamin B6; salmon, beef, and dairy items are great sources of vitamin B1; both of these are important for ensuring the body’s cells are producing enough energy.
Get outdoors
You can also make getting outdoors in the daylight a priority. Sun exposure is the primary way our bodies get vitamin D. Exposing the skin to daylight for just 15 minutes each day can lead to an increase in vitamin D – there’s a reason it is referred to as the sunshine vitamin! Vitamin D has huge benefits not only on energy levels but mood.
Supplementation
Sometimes, changes to diet and lifestyle are not enough and there is a need to utilise external supplementation, whether in the form of oral supplements or with IV drips. Oral supplements are readily available through pharmacies and supermarkets but it is a good idea to check with your GP before you take them. If you prefer an IV drip, you’ll likely need to attend a private clinic.
Most people are familiar with how nutritional supplements work, but many find they take a long time to have the desired results. This is partly due to the vitamins needing to be absorbed through the gut and in the process, much of the value is lost. In addition, doses are very small so again, they take time to build up to sufficient levels. For individuals with gut issues and chronic health problems which cause inflammation in the gut, oral supplements may be poorly absorbed. Individuals with inflammatory health conditions, or who just want quicker results, may prefer to look into an IV drip instead.
IV drips deliver high doses of nutrients right in the bloodstream – bypassing the gut entirely. This medical intervention allows for faster absorption and the cells can immediately begin using the nutrients to help the body work better, giving you more energy. What’s more, they can be customised to your personal vitamin requirements, incorporating energy-boosting fuel like glutathione, vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help battle hyper-fatigue from the inside.
Kick hyper-fatigue to the curb
For those suffering from hyper-fatigue, we understand how draining even the little things can be. Even straight-forward tasks can not only feel like wading through mud but make you feel even worse than you already do. The key to tackling it is to break the cycle and take steps to boost your energy from inside out. Most people will benefit from the lifestyle changes we have mentioned, whilst others may require professional help depending on their health and the severity of the situation. What is assured is that this hyper-fatigue can be treated with a thorough approach. It’s about getting back control of your life, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
