The sun pours through your window. You wake up in the morning to the sound of alarm bells and birds chirping. You should be full of energy after a good night’s sleep. Yet, this fatigue seems to be getting worse. You feel like you cannot get enough sleep, your back feels like it weighs a thousand pounds, you are always depressed at work and school, and you are too tired to do anything when you get home. It may not be general fatigue…you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)! 

Indescribable Fatigue Know More About CFS

Patients may be considered to have CFS after a thorough body check-up to eliminate the possibility of other chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disease (AID), chronic infection or inflammation, psychiatric disorders, endocrine disorders, etc., and if the fatigue has been seriously interfering with their daily life for more than six months. 

Other symptoms of CFS include: 

• Fatigue that lasts for more than 24 hours after performing a previously capable task

• Muscle weakness or pain 

• Unexplained sore throat

• Frequent headaches

• Painful lymph node in the neck or armpit

• Painful joints

• Poor memory

• Cognitive decline

• Unable to concentrate

• Drowsiness or insomnia, waking up tired

• Low-grade fever (35°C to 38.5°C)

• Cold intolerance

The cause of CFS is unknown

The cause of CFS is still unknown in the medical field. Initially, it was believed that CFS might be related to viral infections such as the Epstein–Barr virus, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory. Problems with the immune system, hormonal disorders (abnormal secretion of hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenaline), and depression may be correlated with CFS as well. However, most people with chronic fatigue syndrome are likely to have a combination of life, work and school anxiety, or to be overly stressed or have a prolonged abnormal lifestyle.

Treat CFS through exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy

There is no cure for CFS for now, as the cause of CFS is still unknown. Treatments are therefore mainly aimed at relieving fatigue and other symptoms, including sleep problems, poor memory, concentration difficulties, body pain, depression and anxiety. Therapeutic exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy are the mainstays to improve the condition.

Patients who have been physically inactive for a long period may benefit from progressive exercise training to help alleviate fatigue and muscle weakness, meanwhile, the secretion of endorphins in the brain also makes people feel happier. For cognitive behavioural therapy, a doctor or psychotherapist will consult the patient for their symptoms and perceptions of CFS, then provide emotional support and attitude development guide to improve their mental state. Depending on the patient’s physical condition, medications such as prescription painkillers, allergy medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, and antidepressants may also be prescribed.