MS and Fatigue
Fatigue in MS is not just an ordinary tiredness, like you might get at the end of a hard day’s work. People describe it as an overwhelming sense of tiredness with no obvious cause. You may wake up feeling as tired as you did when you went to sleep.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 80% of people with MS have fatigue.
MS-related fatigue tends to get worse as the day goes on, is often aggravated by heat and humidity, and comes on more easily and suddenly than normal fatigue. For many people, fatigue is caused by a combination of lifestyle, social, psychological and general wellbeing issues rather than an underlying medical condition. Although fatigue is sometimes described as tiredness, it is more severe than being tired at the end of a long day or from hard physical exercise.
Fatigue often occurs along with other symptoms such as:
- Depression and lack of desire to do the activities you once enjoyed.
- Trouble concentrating or focusing.
- Very low energy and motivation.
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
- Muscle pain and weakness
What are the 3 types of fatigue?
There are three types of fatigue: transient, cumulative, and circadian:
- Transient fatigue is acute fatigue brought on by extreme sleep restriction or extended hours awake within 1 or 2 days.
- Primary fatigue is caused by MS damage in the brain and spinal cord. And lot of processes might be involved. One idea from researchers is that passing messages around nerve damage takes extra energy.
- – Secondary fatigue is caused by living with MS symptoms like pain, or disturbed sleep.
6 ways to manage MS fatigue
- Rest
- Prioritising tasks.
- Improving your posture.
- Organising living and work spaces.
- Healthy eating.
- Exercise
Self- management strategies for multiple sclerosis
This self-management includes eating well, exercising, taking medicines, maintaining good mental health, monitoring changes, coping when symptoms get worse and recognising when to seek help from health professionals.
What Can I Do About MS-Related Fatigue
– Assess your personal situation.
– Conserve your energy.
– Eat Right