Fatigue can be described as an overwhelming sense of tiredness, a lack of energy and a feeling of exhaustion.
People with Parkinson's can experience fatigue at any time during their condition.
Although many people use the terms fatigue and sleepiness interchangeably, they are considered separate things.
Fatigue can be a physical, mental or an emotional feeling. Anybody can feel fatigued when they are working too hard, or when pressures at work or at home cause stress.
Fatigue can also be a symptom of an illness and it can be difficult to work out what may be causing it.
How can fatigue affect people with Parkinson's?
People with Parkinson's can experience fatigue at any time during their condition, and how it can affect them can change from day to day.
You may feel quite fit and able one day and then too tired to do much the following.
Many people with Parkinson's can also experience problems with sleeping at night, which can often leave you feeling tired and lethargic during the day.
Depression
If you're depressed, you may experience a range of symptoms, as well as low mood, for long periods of time. This includes fatigue.
You may feel tired, have difficulty sleeping and have a lack of interest in your usual activities. If you have fatigue and are concerned about depression, speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse (if you have one).
Apathy
Fatigue may also imitate apathy, which may mean you lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy.
Apathy, like depression, needs to be diagnosed so it can be treated. You may find it helpful to speak to a mental health specialist or counsellor about it.
What can help with fatigue?
There are a number of things you can do to try to avoid fatigue or help reduce it.
- Try to take short, regular breaks at work. This can be as simple as making a cup of tea, having a chat with a colleague, or sitting back for a few moments with your eyes closed.
- Divide household tasks so that you do the jobs you can manage more easily.
- Try to get some regular exercise.
- Stay in involved with any hobbies and interests you have – boredom can lead to fatigue.
- Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Some people find that regular, healthy snacks help to keep their energy levels up.
- Pace yourself and understand your limitations.
What treatments are available?
Although it's natural to associate any health problems with Parkinson's, there may be other causes of fatigue unrelated to your condition.
It's important to discuss any feelings of fatigue with your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse.
So it is important to discuss any feelings of fatigue with your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse.
Together, you can look at what the cause of your fatigue is and discuss treatment options.
If your feelings of fatigue are related to other Parkinson's symptoms, it may be helped with Parkinson's medication. This will also help you manage your symptoms better, so you have more energy to do things that may otherwise be difficult.
It might be possible to manage fatigue with other, non-Parkinson's medication. We recommend that you discuss this carefully with your GP or specialist. In some cases non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, may help.
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http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/fatigue-and-parkinsons
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