Signs of Fatigue

Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion, tiredness or lack of energy and motivation that can be physical, mental or both. While you might experience the desire to sleep, it is not the same as drowsiness. Causes of fatigue include stress, over-exertion, medical conditions ranging from milder ones such as having a cold to more serious ones such as cancer, reactions to medication, or lack of sleep.

Physical Signs

• Physical signs of fatigue include weight loss and loss of appetite, depression, headaches and stomach pain. You might get syncope or near-syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness and posture, also known as fainting or passing out. Experiencing rapid heartbeats, also known as palpitations, and feeling dizzy or having vertigo are also common. Your muscles will not feel as strong as usual, resulting in you not being able to do things as easily as you used to. For example, you might notice this when you work out, carry bags with groceries or climb stairs.

Mental Signs

• Mental signs of fatigue include difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly, careless or poor performance, loss of motivation and memory, feeling irritated, slower reaction time, poor morale, greater tolerance for errors and inattention to minor but potentially important details. People who are extremely fatigued might not feel like getting out of bed in the morning and doing their regular daily activities.

Behavioral Signs

• These include impaired cooperation and communication with others, particularly when working in a team.