8 Signs You’re Suffering From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

If you’re constantly exhausted, you may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a severe illness that affects several bodily systems. This extreme exhaustion often lasts from a few months to years, leading to an inability to perform daily tasks. Estimates suggest there may be as many as 2.5 million people in the U.S. with CFS today. 

The 8 Signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not very well understood, which could explain why 84% of people with the condition are still undiagnosed. In the past, many misconceptions became widespread, such as the idea that the disorder was imagined or psychological. However, a 2015 report eventually put an end to this belief by proving that it was indeed a legitimate condition with real symptoms. In this article, we will learn more about these signs so that you may recognize them for yourself. 

Read More: Experiencing Fatigue, Anxiety, Insomnia Regularly? You Could be Deficient in this Mineral

Lack of Energy

While we have all experienced the feeling of complete exhaustion after a particularly intense week, this is nothing compared to the lack of energy that accompanies Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is so severe that even performing daily tasks proves extremely difficult and can often last for six months or more. You don’t even have to exert much energy; in fact, even remaining stationary for a prolonged period can leave you feeling exhausted. Even sleeping does not take away the fatigue, and patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often become bed-bound.  [1]

A Feeling of Apathy

Feeling tired all the time can really affect your motivation and interest in things you used to enjoy. This includes hobbies and relationships with loved ones. It’s normal to feel a little “blah” now and then, especially when life gets stressful. However, when dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, that constant exhaustion can make it even harder. You might start feeling detached, and things that once brought you joy may no longer seem exciting. [2]

Difficulty Thinking

Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome regularly experience cognitive challenges. These include delayed information processing, which makes it considerably harder to think clearly. This can lead to difficulty concentrating, blips in short-term memory, and trouble with problem-solving. As a result, these cognitive issues can affect daily tasks, work, and social interactions. This becomes even more severe during times of stress or overexertion. Consequently, many people with this condition may often feel isolated, which only adds to the emotional toll of managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. [3]

Read More: 6 Things You Should Never Do if You Wake Up in The Middle of the Night

Drowsiness

Even when people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome spend over eight hours in bed, they still wake up feeling as if they haven’t slept a single wink. This unrefreshing rest typically leads to drowsiness throughout the day. Many people with CFS also develop new sleep issues like insomnia, leaving them feeling drained in the morning. To cope, conserving energy becomes a crucial part of life. Trying to live at a lower intensity of effort can potentially help manage symptoms. This allows individuals to live a more manageable lifestyle despite their condition. [4]

Dizziness

For people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, standing up can sometimes make them feel dizzy or even make them feel faint. This condition is known as “orthostatic intolerance,” and while lying down can temporarily help, the symptoms don’t always completely disappear. It’s caused by how CFS affects your autonomic nervous system, which manages things like blood pressure and blood flow. Because of this, CFS can make it harder for your body to adjust to the changes when you stand up. [5]

Post-Exertional Malaise

Post-exertional malaise occurs when even small amounts of physical or mental effort result in worsening symptoms, extreme exhaustion, and a significant drop in functioning. This crash typically happens around 12 to 48 hours after the activity and can last for days or even weeks. Rest doesn’t always improve the symptoms, and activities that were once manageable can become very overwhelming. Managing Post-Exertional Malaise often requires you to carefully pace yourself and avoid overexertion.

Impaired Connection Between Brain and Muscles

Unlike healthy people, individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may have normal grip strength but struggle to maintain it over time. This indicates that their fatigue isn’t due to weak muscles but rather how their brain controls them. Studies reveal that after exercise, the brain’s motor cortex stays overly active in CFS patients. Brain imaging also shows reduced activity in areas responsible for processing sensory information and controlling movement. This makes it harder for CFS patients to sustain physical tasks.

Reduction in Cardiopulmonary Performance

In exercise tests, people with CFS can exert the same effort as healthy individuals, but their physical output is much lower. They have reduced oxygen uptake, heart rates, and power during exercise, indicating a gap between effort and performance. CFS patients also reach their anaerobic threshold earlier, meaning their bodies switch to less efficient energy production at lower intensities. This early fatigue highlights their compromised cardiopulmonary fitness, making even moderate physical activities more exhausting for them.

Read More: 6 Natural Remedies To Help With Depression and Anxiety That Most People Haven’t Heard Of