Feeling tired now and again is common. Hectic work schedules and family lives can take their toll, and there may be times when regular sleep schedules are interrupted. However, if excessive fatigue is occurring on a regular basis, to the point that it begins to interfere with everyday life, there may be an underlying medical condition present. The treatment for extreme fatigue depends on the cause, which can include anemia, sleep disorders, autoimmune diseases, liver or kidney problems, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Given the many causes for excessive fatigue, a proper diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better.
Establishment of Good Sleeping Habits
Self-imposed sleep deprivation is the No. 1 cause of excessive fatigue, reports the National Sleep Foundation. No matter what the cause of extreme fatigue, it is important to set up a schedule of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Avoid stimulating the body with caffeine, alcohol or activities too close to bedtime. Participate in a relaxing activity, such as taking a hot bath or reading, before sleep. Make the bedroom a quiet and relaxing place to help promote rest. A sleep therapist can figure out any underlying behaviors that may be interrupting sleep and then suggest techniques to help.
Relaxation Therapies
Fatigue that lasts for longer than six months, which is accompanied by memory loss and pain that cannot be attributed to another medical condition, may be due to chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, and it affects each patient differently. Since CFS and other diseases that cause excessive fatigue can be exacerbated by stress, learning to relax may help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends practicing deep breathing exercises, learning a meditation technique, or taking a yoga or tai chi class.
Medications
With severe cases of daytime fatigue, medications may be necessary. This is the case with conditions such as idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy, both of which cause fatigue and daytime sleepiness that are disabling and can make driving dangerous and interfere with the ability to work. With these types of conditions, the Mayo Clinic states that medications to stimulate the body so it can stay alert may be required. Since these medications often have side effects, you may have to experiment to find the right drug and dosage.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Conditions such as sleep apnea, when breathing stops temporarily during the night, can cause excessive fatigue. Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, treatment involves a machine and a mask or nasal pillows that help keep the airway open to allow for natural breathing. Using a CPAP machine every night can help to keep air flowing during sleep so the body is not continually awakened to stimulate breathing. The good news is that in some cases, losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising regularly can improve health to the point that CPAP therapy is no longer needed.
