Fatigue << fuh TEEG >> is another name for tiredness. People often say they are “fatigued” when they feel tired. If we work hard, play hard, or go without rest or sleep, we expect to feel fatigued. In such cases, fatigue is normal. We know from experience that this feeling will disappear after we rest. But sometimes fatigue is a symptom of illness. Physically ill people often become fatigued after even a slight amount of work or exertion. Such people need a great deal of rest, often much more than they would need if they were well. Doctors have found that fatigue occurs frequently during many kinds of illnesses.
Fatigue may be one of the symptoms of a physical illness. Fatigue may also accompany such mental illnesses as panic disorder and depression (see Mental illness (Anxiety disorders) (Mood disorders)). In either case, rest helps a person feel less tired. However, no amount of rest will cure the tendency to become tired easily. This tendency will disappear or improve only if the physical or mental illness that causes the fatigue is improved or cured.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes fatigue. They do not know why a person feels tired after exertion or mental effort. However, they do know that psychological as well as physical factors contribute to fatigue. The effect of fatigue has been closely studied. Research workers have shown that people who spend long hours at things that bore them or at tasks they do not want to do soon develop fatigue. If the person’s morale (general attitude) and incentive (promise of reward) are good, it takes longer for fatigue to develop. But, no matter how good morale or incentive might be, a person who works or plays long enough or hard enough will develop a feeling of fatigue.
See also Chronic fatigue syndrome; Health.
