Fatigue and autoimmune disease

An autoimmune disease can reshape your life in profound ways, and for many people who have one, fatigue is the most debilitating symptom of all.

Why autoimmune disease and fatigue travel together is not fully understood, though inflammation likely explains part of it. Pain, poor sleep, inactivity, and depressed mood may also contribute.

Fatigue is different from the tiredness most people feel after long stretches of work or exercise, or after a bad night's sleep. It is a constant exhaustion that makes simply getting through the day hard, let alone taking part in activities you enjoy. Fatigue often frustrates patients: your doctor cannot measure or test for it, and others may not see it - yet it is very real to you.

Strategies that may help manage fatigue

If fatigue is draining your energy completely, do not try to push through it. Listen to your body, pace yourself, and look for strategies that work for you. These ideas may help:

Take it easy. Resist doing too much. When tiredness hits, nap or do something restful - reading, listening to music, meditating, or a creative activity. If it helps, schedule rest breaks through the day.

Plan ahead. When energy is limited, spend it on the most important items on your calendar. If a busy day looms, make preparations the night before so the day runs more easily.

Inform family and friends. Let the people close to you know about your condition and explain that it can cause fatigue, so they understand when you need to cancel or change plans.

Eat a healthy diet. Foods such as oatmeal or nuts can give your energy a lift. With some autoimmune conditions, you may need to follow specific dietary restrictions or special diets.

Get regular exercise. Physical activity keeps your body in good condition, which in turn boosts energy. Try to keep a steady routine of exercise at a level you can tolerate.

Get enough sleep. Sleep matters - but it needs to be restorative sleep. Practice good sleep habits to get it.

Find support. Coping with a chronic disease wears you down, and mental fatigue saps energy too. If your mood is low, talk with your doctor about ways to find emotional support.