If you feel exhausted at work, you’ll be interested in researchers’ warning to take this problem seriously … before it leads to poor health or even death, according to a University of Alberta researcher investigating fatigue.
Dr. Karin Olson, U of A professor, shows differences between tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion and suggests that recognizing those distinctions can help people to develop a better plan for energy and well-being.
The study considered fatigue from participants in six ill and non-ill populations: shift workers, recreational long distance runners, individuals with cancer in active treatment or palliative settings, and individuals diagnosed with depression or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Researchers found that, while the reasons for fatigue tend to vary, the tactics for healing fatigue are often similar.
Interestingly, Olson, who is with the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Health Scholar, created descriptions for tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion.
Apparently, people’s energy level influences how easily they can adapt to stress that comes their way. Tired people, still have a fair bit of energy, so although they may forget things, feel impatient, or sense a gradual heaviness or weakness in muscles following work, they usually feel better after rest.
Unlike, “tired” fatigue, is marked by difficulty concentrating, anxiety, a gradual decrease in stamina, difficulty sleeping, increased sensitivity to light and the limiting of social activities once viewed as important.
The study found that people with exhaustion reported frank confusion that resembled delirium, emotional numbness, sudden loss of energy, difficulty both in staying awake and in sleeping and complete social withdrawal.
To recognize the difference between tiredness and fatigue, is the first step to getting help if you face symptoms of this more serious problem.
Surprisingly, Olson found that while exercise helped those who are tired, it sometimes decreased the ability to adapt in individuals experiencing fatigue and exhaustion.
The study also recommended avoidance of long-term use of caffeine and other stimulants for people who suffer from fatigue and exhaustion. Apparently, these substances trick the brain into thinking you have more energy than you do.
So what can we take away from this research? The important thing is to try to prevent the lapse from tiredness to fatigue and then from fatigue to exhaustion, according to Olson.
You’ll recognize fatigue and exhaustion by the way you succeed in minimizing stress, and by the way you prevent tiredness at work. Are you burning out or burning strong?
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