Difference Between Fatigue & Wear

Fatigue and wear, or general tiredness, are terms often used interchangeably. Yet they are two very different disorders because their symptoms, causes and treatment procedures show and should be taken care of appropriately.

Symptoms

• Wear, also called drowsiness, is shown when a person feels extremely sleepy and even nods off during inappropriate times and situations, such as during a business meeting or in class. Bodily signs include dark circles under the eyes and a paler facial skin tone.

  The symptoms of fatigue are somewhat similar to wear, but on a much more extreme level. The first, which gives the disorder its name, is fatigue, or extreme drowsiness. Unexplained muscle pain, swelling of the throat and underarm lymph nodes and migraines are other serious symptoms. Sleep might seem as though it would help, but the person ends up waking more tired or less rejuvenated than usual. Other minor symptoms include a change in weight, diarrhea and sensitivities to certain noises and odors.

Causes

• Depression can be a medical condition on its own and can cause other issues.

  Extreme sleepiness can be caused by stress and emotional trauma, such as a loss of a loved one or getting fired from a job. It can be as simple as a person's schedule: staying up late for work, studying or partying. Drowsiness can also be a symptom of medication.

  The exact causes of fatigue are still contested in the medical community, but there are multiple possibilities. A viral infection, depression, iron deficiency and side effects of medication can cause extreme fatigue. Often it is a combination of many things.

Treatments

• For general wear and sleepiness, simply getting on a consistent sleep schedule will improve your attitude and energy immensely. If you believe the cause is any of your medications, talk with your doctor or other health professional right away about changing prescriptions.

  If you feel that any of the symptoms or causes of fatigue apply to your situation, talk with a professional immediately. Write down any symptoms you experience to give to your doctor, and take a friend or family member with you to help remember all of the information. Treatments can range from avoiding caffeine during the day, taking pain medication for migraines and joint pain and adding some exercise into your routine. For more serious causes such as depression, a therapist might help along with antidepressants.

Natural Fatigue Treatments

• If the thought of taking medication to help with fatigue scares you, there are always natural remedies that many people find beneficial. For fatigue you can try natural remedies as a supplement to what your doctor prescribes. Helpful vitamins you can take include vitamins C, B100 complex and the amino acid proline. Herbs include rhodiola rosea, which improves mental performance, and Siberian ginseng, which helps the body adapt to stressful situations.