What is fatigue?

Sports medicine and nutrition specialist Heidi Skolnik explains the concept of fatigue. Watch Heidi Skolnik's video for tips and information on active nutrition.

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength. Fatigue may result from overwork, poor sleep, worry, boredom or lack of exercise. It is a symptom that may be caused by illness, medicine or medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue.

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or not having enough energy that can have a negative impact on quality of life. There are two main types of fatigue: Acute fatigue is when you feel tired for a short time. Chronic fatigue is a feeling of tiredness that is always with you. It can also be a feeling of tiredness that comes and goes but never goes away completely.

Fatigue is a common complaint. In this video, nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick talks about how a fatigue diagnosis is made.