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Tired….or Fatigued?

A 21st Century Plague?

Having received some great information recently from The Healthy Work Company (https://healthy-working.com), we thought we’d use our newsletter to share this particular topic with you, that has resonated with the RedCat team recently.

 

Fatigue is often more than tired….. Fatigue is a symptom which may be described as physical or mental exhaustion that can impact our well-being in many ways. It can be chronic tiredness, i.e. lack of sleep. Symptoms can be emotional, behavioural, physical and cognitive, and may include:

  • chronic tiredness or sleepiness (but a lack of sleep is another story)
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • muscles; sore, aching or weakness
  • slowed reflexes and responses
  • impaired decision-making and judgement
  • moodiness, such as irritability
  • impaired hand-to-eye coordination
  • reduced immune system function
  • blurry vision
  • short-term memory problems
  • poor concentration
  • low motivation

Fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy. It can impact:

  • Creativity
  • Empathy
  • Tolerance
  • Decision making
  • Memory
  • Self-awareness
  • Perspective
  • Knowledge
  • Mood
  • Innovation
  • Insight

Causes that you can look to control;

  • Mental stress
  • Over or under stimulation
  • Active recreation (over doing the exercise)
  • Boredom
  • A lack of sleep can contribute, so get the sleep sorted as a starter.

Fatigue can arise as a symptom of a wide range of specific illnesses too, such as;

  • auto-immune diseases
  • blood disorders such as anemia
  • depression
  • developmental and eating disorders

If you suspect anything medical, then get to your GP.

The four principles of sleep management

Manage the light – Light is a key signal to our brain whether it is night or day. Consider blackout blinds, switching off technology and wearing an eye mask.

Manage your mind – Don’t leave it until bedtime to face your thoughts, worries and anxieties. Try to deal with these during the day, practice mindfulness, and remember to get to bed in time to wind down from the day.

Manage your naps – Naps should be no longer than 20 minutes, so that you wake up refreshed, not drowsy following a deep sleep. Avoid naps too close to bed time, and don’t try to play catch up with sleep at the weekend.

Manage your environment – You spend 1/3 of your life in bed – make it comfy! Invest in a good mattress, shut out unnecessary noise and distractions, and make sure the temperature is comfortable for you.