Fatigue and tiredness might be used interchangeably at times, but they refer to two distinct states of being (and wellness). The simplest test? If your aches, irritability, fogginess and lack of stamina can be almost completely relieved by a really, really good night\’s sleep, then you\’re probably just tired. If these symptoms persist no matter how much rest and relaxation you get, it\’s most likely fatigue; you\’ll need to find and treat the underlying cause(s) before sleep can do its job again.
Tiredness:
- is the direct result of physical, emotional or mental exertion, or lack of sleep
- can make you feel irritated and forgetful
- can be relieved through rest alone
Fatigue:
- has a wide range of causes and contributing factors
- does not significantly improve with extra sleep and rest
- can be characterised by any or all of the following: difficulty concentrating, anxiety, a gradual decrease in stamina, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, impaired reflexes/slower response times (both physical and mental), poor immune system, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity to light
- may result in withdrawal from friends, family and social activities
If you suspect you\’re suffering from fatigue, it\’s important to see a medical professional sooner rather than later; early detection and treatment can shave weeks, months or even years off your recovery time and rule out serious disease or dysfunction as the cause of your ongoing exhaustion.