Signs & Symptoms of Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue is a common condition, especially for those who work in careers requiring a lot of mental exertion, such as scientists, writers and business professionals. Although there is no cure, treatment and prevention are easy.

Considerations

• Unlike physical fatigue, mental fatigue does not affect the muscles or cause potential pain or swelling in the joints. The most common symptoms are lethargy and a lack of concentration.

Common Symptoms

• Mental fatigue symptoms include a difficulty understanding new concepts, impaired memory and slowed reasoning.

Effects

• Mental fatigue can be seen in the effects it has on the sufferer: an increase in simple mistakes, inability to stay on task and possibly even dizziness and nausea.

Causes

• Mental fatigue can be caused by a decrease in oxygen, dehydration, poor nutrition and constant mental exertion or by engaging in focused concentration for too long.

Prevention, Solutions

• To prevent the symptoms of mental fatigue, avoid sugar and caffeine, take a multivitamin, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day and exercise for 30 minutes four or five days a week. Take frequent breaks while working to walk around and get a drink of water or some fresh air.