Effects of fatigue

Fatigue affects everyone differently and can cause many different symptoms. Some people find that their fatigue is very mild and does not interfere much with their daily life; however for some people it is extremely disruptive. Some of the more common effects are described below.

• Difficulty doing the smallest chores. Everyday activities like brushing your hair, showering or cooking can seem impossible.
• A feeling of having no energy. You feel as if you could spend whole days in bed.
• A feeling of having no strength to do anything.
• Lack of concentration.
• Having trouble thinking, speaking, or making decisions.
• Difficulty in remembering things.
• Feeling breathless after only light activity.
• Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Loss of sex drive.
• Feeling more emotional than usual.

Fatigue can affect the way you think and feel. You may find it impossible to concentrate on anything. This may affect your work, but it can also occur with things that you usually enjoy doing; even reading or watching TV can be difficult.

Fatigue can affect your relationships with family and friends, as it may make you become impatient with people around you, or lead you to avoid socialising because it is too much effort.