The causes of fatigue and how to resolve it quickly
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of over-
tiredness, weakness, or exhaustion. The difference between feeling tired and fatigue is that you do not feel refreshed after you rest or sleep. This can make it challenging to get up in the morning, go to work, do your usual activities or simply make it through your day.
What causes fatigue?
Cancer treatment can increase your body's energy needs by weakening your muscles, damaging your organs, or altering your body's hormones, while the primary cause of fatigue is when cancer cells are killed along with healthy ones. This causes your body to work extremely hard to repair the damage caused, which leaves you feeling tired. However, fatigue may also be caused by a number of other factors in your life. From
stress and
anxiety to what you eat.
The following are my top tips for giving your body the extra energy it needs between treatments and recovery.
How to overcome cancer fatigue
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydrationis a common side effect of cancer treatment due to side effects, like fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive urination.
As dehydration sets in, your blood pressure drops, leading to poor circulation and reduced blood flow to your brain. This causes feelings of sleepiness and increase side effects of chemo brain.
Eating Habits
Avoid skipping meals. If struggling with this, eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours, rather than a large meal.
Eating an afternoon or morning snack, such as a handful of almonds, if energy levels dip.
Get Moving
A 15 minute walk can give you an energy boost and the benefits increase with more frequent physical activity.
Sleep Well
Going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time every day.
