Tiredness vs Fatigue

It can sometimes be hard to tell if we’re just tired, or suffering from adrenal fatigue. Only a trained medical specialist will be able to tell you for sure, but here are some basic hallmarks to help you figure out whether you should see a doctor – or (and!) just try to get some more sleep.

Tiredness:

• is the direct result of physical, emotional or mental exertion, or lack of sleep
• can make you feel irritated and forgetful
• can be relieved through rest alone

Fatigue:

• has a wide range of causes and contributing factors
• does not significantly improve with extra sleep and rest
• can be characterised by any or all of the following: difficulty concentrating, anxiety, a gradual decrease in stamina, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, impaired reflexes/slower response times (both physical and mental), poor immune system, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity to light
• may result in withdrawal from friends, family and social activities

If you suspect you’re suffering from chronic fatigue, it’s important to see a medical professional sooner rather than later; early detection and treatment can shave weeks, months or even years off your recovery time and rule out serious disease or dysfunction as the cause of your ongoing exhaustion.