Lupus fatigue: Ways to deal with it

Tiredness and fatigue are among most common symptoms of lupus. According to one estimate, 80% of lupus people have to deal with tired-can’t-get-out-of-the-bed-feeling at one point or other. And it is something that cannot be cured by taking a cup of coffee or a small catnap. It seriously affects one’s job, social life and overall quality of life.

Therefore, it is important to differentiate between lupus fatigue and normal daily tiredness. How one can deal with this tiredness? And what can make pre-existing fatigue worse?

As with lupus, what causes lupus fatigue is not clearly known. Some doctors relate lupus fatigue to the overactive nerve signals and imbalances associated with disease fibromyalgia. It is no surprise lupus individuals experience extreme fatigue, since one third of them have fibromyalgia.  

Severe pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, thyroid issues, immune suppression and adrenal fatigue are other physical conditions can contribute to lupus fatigue as well. Additionally, neuropsychiatric lupus causes cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression and even mood or personality changes that result in severe mental fatigue.

Common symptoms of lupus fatigue

Physical fatigue: Most of the lupus suffering individuals feel like their bodies weigh too heavy. It is extremely hard to move around with physical fatigue of lupus. It takes its toll by affecting hand eye coordination, body’s balance and ability to drive or operate machinery. It is important for the sake of security, you know when to stop and have rest.

Mental fatigue: A 2003 study entitled “Dimensions of Fatigue in SLE: Relationship to Disease Activity, Behavioural and Psychosocial Factors” found that mental fatigue can cause higher levels of depression, greater pain severity, and a lower satisfaction with social support networks. It is important to seek support when suffering from these symptoms because mental fatigue as isolating as physical fatigue.

What helps: the treatment and preventive measures

More than one factor may contribute to lupus fatigue. It may result from underlying reason or a medicine side-effect may cause it. Treatment involves figuring out what factor actually causing the fatigue. Certain things and measures may prove helpful when it comes to preventive measures and treatment.

Foods: certain foods may increase lupus fatigue if you are sensitive to them. Therefore it is important to keep record of how you feel after eating certain items. Most lupus sufferers are sensitive to nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes. By increasing disease severity, they can cause fatigue. One should eat well and drink enough water to meet the nutritional needs of the body.

Track your medication: Medications have side-effects. It is vital to know about them in order to mange lupus related fatigue. It is better to discuss with your doctor all the pros and cons of your medication and how to best deal with the side-effects.

Exercise regularly: Being physically active may help relieve fatigue. Research shows that exercise is particularly very beneficial to improving physical fatigue of lupus.

Track your sleep: Most lupus sufferers do not feel refreshed by the little amount of sleep they get at night. A sleep less than the recommended 7-8 hours may contribute to the feelings of exhaustion and it is likely to affect the mood and ability to function. Tracking sleep pattern is important, in case of any inconsistencies talk to a sleep specialist or your primary care doctor about ways to help your sleep schedule.

Be open and honest about your fatigue: Unlike butterfly rash or swollen joints, lupus fatigue is invisible. Therefore it is challenge to tell your friends and family about your sufferings. The best advice is to be open and honest about your condition and how it is affecting your life.