Living With Neurofatigue: 6 Common Complaints and Solutions
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Neurofatigue can be a direct result of a brain injury, neurological disease, or something else. Dealing with the consequences can be difficult, but there are solutions that can help.
Dealing with neurofatigue can feel frustrating, personal, and — well — exhausting.
What causes brain fatigue can vary widely, and it can be a little scary to read about the ailments that often trigger these symptoms.
Fortunately, you aren't the only person dealing with this issue. For better or worse, it's pretty common, and many people have found ways to treat their symptoms without serious medical intervention.
In this article, we'll look at six common complaints and solutions for living with neurofatigue - whether you have sustained a brain injury or not.
What Is Neurofatigue?
Neurofatigue, sometimes just referred to as fatigue or mental fatigue, is characterized by feelings of exhaustion or depletion. These tired sensations and lack of brain energy make it hard to focus, remember information, and perform daily activities.
Though it doesn’t have to be, neurofatigue is often the result of a direct brain injury or a neurological disease. In fact, feeling fatigued is one of the most common symptoms of neurological illnesses.
This makes sense when you think about it. Your nervous system's job is to send messages to and from various parts of your body. When you're feeling depleted or tired, your nervous system might have trouble functioning at maximum capacity. This is easily noticed, as there is a drop-off in physical performance.
Here are some complaints you might experience, and what you can do about them.
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1. "I Don't Know What's Causing It"
Solution: See a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
It's hard to pinpoint what causes neurofatigue. If you're experiencing it, you may be suffering from a variety of ailments that range from mild to life-threatening.
Because that's the case, it's important not to read too far into the potential causes of fatigue. Research is good, but self-diagnosing could simply freak you out.
Brain injuries are a common cause of neurofatigue. When the brain experiences trauma, it can cause disruptions in your circuitry system.
Other neurological disorders that are linked to fatigue include Parkinson's Disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
Again, each case is an individual matter. Whatever's causing you to slow down and perform tasks slower than expected, though, is likely linked to your brain cell deterioration, brain inflammation, or damage that needs to heal.
Be sure to speak with a doctor about your fatigue. These guidelines may help, but they should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice.
2. "I'm Not Sure How I Should Eat”
Solution: Follow a balanced diet full of brain foods.
The old adage "you are what you eat" still applies when talking about the brain. Studies have found that poor diet leads to poor brain and central nervous system health, which can lead to a decrease in performance of both.
Try eating plenty of brain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins that come from meat and plant sources, and vegetables and fruits. The latter contains key micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals, that your entire body needs to stay healthy.
While you're at it, it might not hurt to have the rest of your family eat plenty of brain foods, too.
3. "It's Difficult to Do Everything I Want to Do”
Solution: Plan ahead. Cut out activities that don't matter.
One of the most practical neurofatigue solutions is to limit the number of activities you do each day. Reducing stress and strain on your nervous system can help you bring more energy to the activities that matter most.
Another energy-saving habit you can apply is planning ahead. Anxiety caused by a lack of preparation can make your neurons fire quickly, causing you to fatigue much quicker than normal.
But if you go into the situation with a plan, you'll have less to worry about. You'll also have less on your mind — literally.
4. "I Simply Don't Have Enough Energy”
Solution: Eliminate stressors.
Parlaying off the previous tip, do all that you can to reduce or eliminate activities that cause you stress.
Not for nothing, fatigue is one of the main symptoms of chronic stress. When your body constantly has to "sound the alarm" and release hormones that keep you active and alert, you simply lose energy faster.
Over time, this can wear down your mind and body. Try implementing stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness practices, yoga, or other forms of exercise. Even a long walk can help you reduce stress and clear your mind.
5. "I Have Insomnia”
Solution: Practice good sleep hygiene habits.
Many scientists say sleep is the number one most effective countermeasure for combatting fatigue.
When we sleep, our bodies repair and restore function, especially in the brain. This is when our memories are stored and our nervous system gets a chance to relax for a few hours.
Remember that all sleep is not created equally, however. We sleep in cycles, and if you aren't getting deeper levels of sleep, you likely won't wake up feeling refreshed.
Simple good sleeping habits — like shutting off technology before bed, not eating a few hours before you lay down, and sleeping in a cool room — can help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep.
6. "People Keep Telling Me How to Deal With My Fatigue”
Solution: Listen to your own wisdom.
Only you can read your body. Neurofatigue can be frustrating on its own, but it's definitely a hassle to deal with when other people are trying to tell you what's best for your body — especially if doctors aren't totally sure what's wrong or why you're feeling so tired.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Mindfulness practices can help you identify triggers or activities that are especially taking a toll on your body.
Dealing With Neurofatigue
Dealing with neurofatigue is no laughing matter. The best things you can do to combat feeling tired all the time pretty much come down to upgrading your physical and mental health.
Namely, it would help if you tried eating higher-quality foods, sleeping more, and prioritizing the activities that matter.
Learn more about our services and how we help treat people with neurofatigue - whether you’ve sustained a brain injury or not.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and value your feedback. Let me know what you think by dropping me a line or commenting below.
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[Medical Disclaimer]
All information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent health problems. For all serious health issues, please contact a medical or nutrition practitioner. The information provided is based on the best knowledge of the author at the time of writing, and we do not assume liability for the information, be it direct or indirect, consequential, special exemplary, or other damages. In all circumstances, it is always wise to consult your physician before changing your diet, taking supplements, or starting any exercise or health program.