What is the difference between lethargy and fatigue?
Both of these terms are used to describe how we feel, although very similar; lethargy generally refers to a low amount of energy and enthusiasm where as fatigue is a constant tiredness or weakness.
Lethargy and fatigue can go hand in hand, this can be either or both mental or physical tiredness.
Many acute illnesses such as dehydration, flu, stomach virus, PMS, nutrition deficiencies or sleep apnea can make you feel lethargic. If you are struggling with aches or pains, difficulty sleeping, fatigue for longer than 3 weeks, feeling of sadness or unexplained weight gain/loss, consult with your GP.
What Can I do? Lifestyle changes:
Get sufficient amount of sleep
Drink plenty of fluids. Are you feeling thirsty? This is a sign you are already dehydrated! Have a glass of water! Remember to drink tea or coffee for the enjoyment of the taste, not to dampen your thirst. If you are waiting for the kettle to boil, have a glass of water whilst you are waiting.
Reduce stress levels
Practice relaxation therapies, such as yoga, tai chi, meditation.
Eat a healthy diet – be mindful of what you eat and if you feel particularly sluggish after eating certain foods. For example bread or potato, may make you feel weary after consumption. Try replacing them, experiment and find out what suits you.
Exercise tip: Try to get out for a brief walk before you start work in the morning, it will help calm any mental restlessness and give you time to plan out your day.
https://blog.xcaret.com/en/basic-stretches-to-combat-fatigue/
How can Acupuncture help?
Acupuncture increases serotonin levels which helps improve sleep and mood!
Do you feel brain fog? feel weary? maybe it is down to lack of sleep? Acupuncture can help with that too! Whether you struggle to get off to sleep or staying asleep , discuss this with Hannah during your consultation.
Fatigue is very common in individuals suffering from cancer, research suggests that acupuncture is justified in playing a supportive role in symptoms management. Click here to see one of the many studies supporting this: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acu.2015.1095
If you want to discuss this more or want to book your appointment, click here to contact Hannah today!
For more reading:
Auricular acupuncture and Chinese dietary counselling in the treatment of insomnia:
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=acupuncture+and+lethargy&btnG=
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515016/
Acupuncture for fatigue in Parkinson’s Disease: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mds.26597