![]() ![]() Only when they were adequately treated did I start to get my energy back.įor me, the root causes were bacterial infections (Lyme, ehrlichiosis), a parasite (babesiosis), and a virus (Epstein-Barr). There was no pushing through this level of fatigue, because it was caused by internal factors: illnesses that were ravaging my body. I couldn’t concentrate, unable to read or watch TV. Exercise was out of the question at times, I was literally too tired to walk up a flight of stairs or sit at the dinner table. I felt like I had the flu, except it lasted for years. No matter how much I rested, my exhaustion persisted. Drinking a cup of coffee was akin to treating an ear infection with candy. Naps were staples of my day that helped me survive but didn’t improve my energy. When I was acutely ill with persistent Lyme, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis (all tick-borne illnesses), as well as chronic Epstein-Barr virus, a good night’s sleep did nothing. But internally, your body is working well: your glands and organs are operating properly infection is not depleting your body of energy your nervous system may be overtaxed, but it’s not frayed from actual impairment. This type of fatigue is usually related to external factors: lack of sleep, stress, an extra-hard workout. A cup of coffee or a nap might perk you up. You are capable of getting out of bed and powering through the day, even if you don’t want to. Your muscles and joints don’t ache like when you have the flu. You may feel sleepy, you may in fact be sleep-deprived, or your body and mind may be worn out from long hours, exertion, or unrelenting stress - but you don’t feel sick. Regular fatigueĮveryday fatigue that is not illness-related starts with a baseline of health. A crucial distinction, however, is between regular fatigue and illness-related fatigue. “Tired” is a nebulous word that covers a broad spectrum of levels of fatigue. We all could use a good, long nap - or better yet, a vacation.īut while a break would be nice, most people - except those who are actually sick with COVID-19 or other illnesses - are able to push through their fatigue, precisely because they aren’t sick. Between concerns about health, finances, and isolation, everyone is feeling some level of additional stress during this unusual time, and that’s tiring. Those trying to juggle working from home with homeschooling are stretched thin. Parents who haven’t had a break from their kids are worn out. A common refrain during the COVID-19 pandemic is, “I’m so tired.” After months of adjusted living and anxiety, people are understandably weary. ![]()
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