If that’s how you feel after eight hours of
sleep, you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Weakness, muscle and joint pain, and
chronic headaches are other symptoms you should look out for, says the team at
Raffles Counselling Center under Raffles Medical.
Alarm bells should ring, too, if you
experience bad short-term memory, irritability and anxiety for more than six
months. The condition is defined differently in various studies, so it’s hard
to give a proper number.
It’s estimated to be two to four times more
common in women than in men – however, this could be because women are more
likely to report their symptoms
Its exact cause is unknown, and there’s no
test for diagnosing it either. Theories for its causes range from viral
infections and genetic factors to nutritional deficiencies and stress. As for
diagnosis, it’s based on exclusion. This means it’s only identified after all
other conditions that display similar symptoms have been ruled out.
The most your doctor can do for you is to
manage the symptoms. This may mean taking medication to relieve pain and
control anxiety, or eating mineral supplements and going for psychological
counseling for sleep management.
Try the following lifestyle changes if you
suspect you may have CFS:
Socialize:
Studies have shown that staying connected to supportive friends and family is
protection against both physical and mental illnesses.
Plan: Spread
challenging tasks over the week. Don’t try to do too much in one day, and
always schedule at least 15 minutes for hobbies.
Go zen:
Meditation, yoga, tai chi and writing a journal may help you de-stress. Go for
massages, acupuncture and even homeopathy if you believe in alternative
treatments.
Meditation,
yoga, tai chi and writing a journal may help you de-stress.
Eat well:
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which may disrupt sleep. And eat a balanced diet
full of fresh foods. Try having several small meals throughout the day instead
of three heavy ones.
Sleep:
Adjust the temperature in your bedroom until you feel it’s perfect for u. Black
out the room completely and make sure it’s always quiet during bedtime.
