What is fatigue?
I don’t have enough time to exercise?
I am too busy at work and my work hours are too long. Despite advances in technology, many of us still spend more – rather than less – time at work. However, there are ways in which you can be more active: Go for a walk in your lunch break – your afternoons will be……
Depression and the impact on fatigue
While we all experience low mood from time to time, it is important to understand that this is not depression. Depression is more than just a low mood. Depression is a very serious illness where low mood continues for long periods of time for no particular reason (See Figure below). To be diagnosed with clinical……
What is fatigue amnesia?
Have you ever driven into your driveway at home and on arrival thought to yourself, How did I get here? I cannot recall the trip home or the last part of the trip. You may have suffered from fatigue amnesia. Amnesia, in simple terms, is the loss of memory. Fatigue amnesia is where a person……
How does caffeine affect sleep
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can artificially stimulate your senses, which makes you more alert. Peak alertness levels are generally reached 30-60 minutes after consumption. If too much is consumed, or it is consumed too close to bedtime, it can interfere with your ability to sleep by keeping you awake and disrupting naturally……
When should I sleep?
Our levels of alertness and attention are influenced by our circadian rhythms, as shown in the figure below. Circadian rhythms allow us to feel more alert during the day and less alert during the evening. This is the primary reason it is difficult to stay awake at night and why we may struggle to sleep……
Exercise and physical activity. How to finding the balance
Active living is a way of life in which physical activity and exercise are valued and integrated into daily life in a fun and enjoyable way. In other words, seeing physical activity as an opportunity not a chore. Remember being busy does not necessarily mean that you are active! Physical activity is any body movement……
Mood and sleep
It’s no surprise that sleep, or a lack of sleep, affects our mood. One sleepless night will cause most people to be more irritable, short-tempered and stressed. After a good night’s sleep, your mood often returns to normal. Whilst sleep does affect mood, mood also affects sleep. People suffering anxiety or stress will experience agitation,……
What causes fatigue?
Fatigue is caused by a range of different factors. It is usually not just one factor but a combination of factors that will explain someone’s fatigue. Being able to characterise the symptoms will enable you to identify the underlying cause/s of your fatigue and take action to increase your fatigue resistance. The Fatigue Cause Model……
Are you exercising hard enough?
A word of caution.If you have been inactive for a while, you may want to start with less strenuous activities such as walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning at a slow pace will allow you to become physically fit without straining your body. Once you are in better shape, you can gradually do……
Sleep medication
Sleeping medication may be helpful to overcome short term needs or significant life events, such as grief or high stress events. Sleeping medication can be used to improve sleep quantity and quality but should only be used for short periods to avoid dependency, as dependency will only lead to longer term sleep problems. It is……