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Nowadays, an increasing number of people are experiencing chronic exhaustion, which can have serious health consequences and negatively impact everyday functioning. What is the difference between ordinary fatigue and chronic fatigue? How does chronic fatigue manifest itself, and what can be done to regain vitality?
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a diagnosed medical condition with multiple causes.The main symptom is chronic fatigue lasting for at least six months, which is not alleviated by rest. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CFS most commonly affects young, educated, hard-working people. Accompanying symptoms often include muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to stimuli such as noise and light, and dizziness.
It is estimated that chronic fatigue syndrome affects between 0.2% and 8% of the population. These differences in estimates are due to the use of different diagnostic criteria and research methodologies. According to a 2024 report by the Institute of Psychology at the Polish Academy of Sciences, up to 66% of adult Poles report experiencing chronic fatigue at least occasionally. A 2023 CBOS survey, meanwhile, indicates that 67% of Poles experience fatigue at least once a week and 28% experience it daily.
The data presented shows how common long-term fatigue is, in both diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue as a separate condition. It is worth noting that not all cases of chronic fatigue are CFS, but all people with CFS experience chronic fatigue. Nevertheless, chronic fatigue impairs daily functioning and limits the ability to work, study, and participate in social activities.
Causes of chronic fatigue
Fatigue is the result of various stresses affecting the human body. We all undergo a gradual,constantly increasing process of fatigue as we perform a series of specific activities during the day. However, if this condition persists despite resting, it can become chronic fatigue. The causes of chronic fatigue are complex and include physical, psychological and lifestyle factors.
According to data from the US government agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exhaustion may be caused by disorders of the immune, nervous or metabolic systems, or by viral or bacterial infections. Research analysis also suggests a link with inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and endocrine system disorders, which regulate the body's energy metabolism. According toresearch conducted by the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic in 2023–2024,chronic fatigue is linked to lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation, a poor diet, a lack of physical activity, excessive physical activity, prolonged stress, and mental overload.
Other causes of chronic fatigue include psychological factors. Symptoms can be exacerbated and fatigue perpetuated by chronic stress, perfectionism, or difficulties with regulating emotions. In light of the substantial scientific research in this field, chronic fatigue can be considered a biopsychosocial disorder involving three interacting mechanisms: biological, emotional and environmental.
How can chronic fatigue be beaten?
To date, no medicine has been developed that is 100% effective in treating chronic fatigue. According to experts, a multidimensional approach covering various aspects, including medical, psychological and lifestyle measures, should be taken. Working with doctors, family, friends and, in some cases, psychologists is key to alleviating symptoms.
Research presented in Psychological Medicine and Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to stress, anxiety, or depression. CBT helps patients to understand their limitations, avoid overexertion, and develop strategies to help them relax.
Although pharmacological treatment is rarely recommended, it is sometimes used as asupportive measure. The aim in this case is to alleviate symptoms such as pain, sleep disorders or depression.
Physical activity, recovery and a balanced diet
The role of physical activity in determining the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and endocrine systems, among others, is worth emphasising. It also plays an important role in maintaining mental balance. According to research by the CDC, regular but moderate physical exercise tailored to the individual's abilities can improve physical fitness, mood, and sleep quality. Improved sleep quality has a direct impact on energy levels during the day, as well as on the body's ability to regenerate.
Research conducted by the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic focuses on sleep hygiene. Experts analysed regular daily rhythms and took into account factors such as evening exposure to blue light (best avoided) and relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation).
A proper diet is an extremely important part of treating chronic fatigue. Scientists emphasise the importance of staying hydrated, reducing processed food intake, and providing the body with nutrients that support energy production, such as B vitamins, magnesium, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Together with exercise, sleep and mental support, a healthy diet forms a regenerative system that, while not eliminating fatigue completely, can significantly reduce its impacton daily life and improve overall well-being.
When should you consult a specialist?
Fatigue is a natural bodily reaction to stress, lack of sleep, or an excessive workload. If it is temporary, there is no cause for concern. However, if it persists forseveral weeks despite resting, you should consult a doctor.
Specialists from the CDC and the Mayo Clinic emphasise that particular attention should be paid to situations where fatigue impairs daily functioning. Frequent absence from work, withdrawal from social life, unexplained weight loss, fainting and prolonged pain are all signs that should not be ignored.
The first step is to consult your GP, who may order diagnostic tests, including a full blood count, iron levels, thyroid hormone levels and glucose levels. If these tests do not reveal any physical causes, the doctor will recommend furtheri nvestigations and refer the patient to other specialists, such as aneurologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist or psychologist. It is extremely important to detect the problem early because this enables effective help to be provided to alleviate the symptoms.
References:
1) Dawidowicz A., Eberhardt A., Ronikier A., ‘Fatigue and Rest,’ Wiedza Powszechna, 1978.
2) Markus. H., ‘Chronic Fatigue: A Guide to Natural Medicine’, Cedrus Publishing House, 1998.
3) Sapolsky R. M., ‘Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. The Acclaimed Guide To Stress,Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping’, PWN, 2024.
4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30850404/
5) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3170215/
6) https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
7) https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
8) https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/causes/sym-20050894
9) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557676/
11) www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1120250/full
12) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229907/
13) https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
