Yes, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome’ is real and can impact a person’s work and daily life

Chronic fatigue and sleepiness may seem similar, but they are different.

Dr. Jennifer Mundt, a clinical sleep psychologist at the University of Utah, explained to CNN that sleepiness is a lack of alertness that makes it easy to fall asleep during the day.

Fatigue is a more profound sense of exhaustion from poor sleep or underlying health conditions.

Understanding the difference is important because excessive sleepiness could indicate a sleep disorder. At the same time, ongoing fatigue might signal a broader medical issue.

Experts advise seeing a doctor if fatigue lasts more than two weeks and begins to interfere with daily life.

Dr. Tina-Ann Thompson, a primary care physician with Emory Healthcare, says doctors assess chronic fatigue by asking key questions to find the root cause and decide on treatment.

They start by looking at when the fatigue began and whether significant life changes—such as job stress or personal loss—could be a factor.

They also evaluate diet, exercise, and nutrient intake to ensure the body gets enough essentials like protein and iron.

Changes in workout routines, especially in intensity or timing, might also play a role.

Thompson stresses that staying active is crucial to preventing tiredness. Doctors also check sleep patterns, mental health, and medications, as some prescriptions can contribute to fatigue.

By identifying possible causes, they can focus on targeted tests rather than a broad range of exams.

Meanwhile, several health conditions can contribute to tiredness and sleepiness, with anemia being one of the most common.

This condition, caused by low red blood cell levels due to blood loss, poor iron intake, or absorption issues, can be detected through a simple blood test.

While heart disease is not the most frequent cause of fatigue, Thompson highlights the importance of screening, especially since it remains the primary cause of death among women in the U.S.

Hormonal changes can also play a role, particularly for women.

Energy levels may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, while fatigue worsens during perimenopause. Thompson advises seeing a specialist for hormone-related concerns.

Another possible cause is a lingering virus or infection that drains energy even after recovery.

Doctors may explore other possibilities, such as chronic fatigue syndrome if these standard conditions are ruled out.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes extreme exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and has no apparent medical cause, according to Healthline.

Also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), it remains a complex and poorly understood illness.

Experts believe CFS may be triggered by viral infections, psychological stress, or a combination of factors.

Diagnosing CFS can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with other conditions, and no single test can confirm it.

Doctors typically rule out other possible causes before making a diagnosis.

Once a debated condition, CFS is now widely recognized as a legitimate medical disorder.

It can affect anyone but is most common in women in their 40s and 50s. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms of CFS

One of the key symptoms of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small amounts of physical or mental activity worsen symptoms and reduce a person’s ability to function, says BetterHealth.

Many patients describe this as a “crash” or “payback,” which can leave them feeling drained for days or even longer.

Research shows that those with ME/CFS react differently to exertion than those without the condition.

Tasks like walking, socializing, or getting a child ready for school, once simple, can now lead to severe exhaustion.

The intensity of PEM varies from person to person, and symptoms may appear 24 to 48 hours after activity, making it hard to gauge limits.

Sometimes, PEM can last from a few days to several months or more.

It is a complex and chronic illness that affects multiple systems in the body. Symptoms differ from person to person, and not everyone experiences them the same way. Common symptoms include:

• Significant weight gain or loss.
• Digestive problems, including nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Urinary issues, such as frequent urination.
• Difficulty regulating body temperature.
• Sensitivities to light, sound, smells, touch, foods, chemicals, or medications.
• Irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath when standing or exerting effort.
• Trouble with memory, concentration, clear thinking, vision problems, clumsiness, and muscle twitching.
• Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Pain in muscles, joints, or the head.
• Dizziness, low blood pressure, or sudden paleness.
• Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms can fluctuate quickly, making daily life unpredictable. Due to this, people with ME/CFS may need to cancel or change plans unexpectedly, making support from friends and family necessary.

Here are the treatments and how to live with chronic fatigue syndrome from Dr. Deepak Ravindran: