Fatigue is a manifestation of a person's lack of energy. It is an indication of tiredness, and it doesn't simply go away even if you take a rest. There are two types of fatigue. One is physical and the other is psychological.
Physical fatigue is the loss of your body's ability to do the things which you used to do easily when you have sufficient supply of energy. Psychological fatigue refers to your difficulty or inability to concentrate.
A typical example of severe fatigue is your lack of enthusiasm and energy to get up from your bed early in the morning to perform your daily tasks.
Fatigue is directly associated with lack of sleep or sleep deprivation. This condition is common among people aged 50 years and above. Fatigue and prolonged inability to sleep are also linked to the following health risks:
1. Heart Diseases and High Blood Pressure
Coronary heart disease – it is a disease caused by an abnormality of the arteries that cause it to fail to supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
Ischaemic heart disease – it is another type of heart disease which is characterized by blocked arteries. This can lead to the lack of supply of oxygenated blood to the heart.
Myocardial infarction – it is commonly known as heart attack.
High blood pressure – it is a cardiovascular disease which is characterized by the tightening of the blood vessels. This condition forces your heart to pump harder, causing your blood to circulate with too much force. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
2. Nervous Disorders
Anxiety – it is a disorder characterized by a feeling of worry and nervousness. It is often triggered by the coming of an event with an uncertain outcome.
Depression – it is a medical condition which is caused by a persistent feeling of hopelessness, dejection and inadequacy. It is a chronic illness that affects the way you think, feel and behave. It is a condition that requires long-term treatment, the Mayo Clinic says.
3. Pregnancy Disorders
Fatigue has a negative impact on the health of pregnant women because it is associated with pregnancy-related conditions such as miscarriage, low birth weight and premature births.