Multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue isn't the same as tiredness. Tiredness affects everyone after certain activities or at the end of the day. Usually, you know why you're tired, and a good night's sleep solves the problem.
MS fatigue is an overwhelming tiredness that's not ordinary. It can be persistent and draining, and it's not made better with sleep. It can be acute (lasting a month or less) or chronic (lasting from one to six months or longer).
Chronic MS fatigue can affect your mental health and emotional well-being, including your mood, ability to stand up for yourself, relationships, work, and interests. Talk to your doctor or health care team about ways to deal with MS fatigue so it doesn't negatively affect your quality of life.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 80% of people with MS have MS fatigue. It tends to worsen as the day goes on. It's often worsened by heat and humidity, and comes on more easily and suddenly than normal fatigue.
If you have fatigue, it doesn't mean you have MS. Other conditions, such as depression, can cause fatigue. Talk to your doctor to get the right diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
What Can I Do About MS-Related Fatigue?
The best way to fight MS fatigue is to treat its underlying cause. But the exact cause is often unknown, or there may be multiple causes. Fortunately, there are nonmedical steps you can take that may help you control fatigue.
1. Look at Your Personal Situation.
Check your level of energy. Think of your personal energy stores as a bank — deposits and withdrawals have to be made over the course of a day or week to balance energy gained and spent. Keep a diary for one week to identify the times of day when you're most fatigued or have the most energy. Note what seems to affect your fatigue.
Be alert to your personal warning signs of fatigue. These may include:
2. Conserve Your Energy When You Have MS Fatigue.
Plan ahead and organize your work. For example, store items in a way that reduces trips or reaching, assign tasks when needed, combine activities, and simplify details.
Schedule rest. For example, balance periods of rest and work, and rest before you become fatigued. Frequent, short rests are helpful.
Pace yourself. A moderate pace is better than rushing through activities. Switch between sitting and standing.
Practice proper body mechanics. When sitting, use a chair with good back support. Sit with your back straight and your shoulders back. Adjust the level of your work, and do it without bending over. When bending to lift something, bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift, not your back. Don't bend forward at your waist with your knees straight. Also, try carrying several small loads instead of one large one, or use a cart.
Limit work that requires reaching over your head. For example, use long-handled tools, store items lower, and assign tasks when possible.
Limit work that makes your muscles tense.
Identify situations that cause fatigue. For example, avoid extreme temperatures, stay away from smoke or harmful fumes, and don't take long hot showers or baths.
Prioritize your activities. Decide which activities are important to you, and which ones could be delegated. Use your energy on important tasks.
3. Eat Nutritious Food.
Fatigue is often made worse if you don't eat enough or you eat unhealthy food. Maintaining good nutrition can help you feel better and have more energy.
4. Stay Active Without Exhausting Yourself.
A drop in physical activity, which may be the result of illness or medical treatment, can lead to tiredness and lack of energy. Scientists have found that even healthy athletes forced to spend extended periods lying in bed, or sitting in chairs, develop feelings of anxiety, depression, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Regular, moderate exercise can keep these feelings away, help you stay active, and give you more energy.
5. Learn to Manage Stress to Help Combat MS Fatigue.
Managing stress can play an important role in fighting fatigue. Here are tips to keep stress in check:
Adjust your expectations. For example, if you have a list of 10 things you want to do today, cut it down to two and leave the rest for other days. A sense of accomplishment goes a long way to ease stress.
Help others understand and support you. Family and friends can be helpful if they can "put themselves in your shoes" and understand what fatigue means to you. Support groups can be a source of comfort as well. Other people with MS may better understand what you're going through.
Try relaxation techniques. Audiotapes that teach deep breathing or visualization can help ease your stress.
Do things that divert your attention away from fatigue. For example, knitting, reading, or listening to music don't use up physical energy but require attention.
If your stress seems out of control, talk to your doctor. They are there to help.
When Should I Tell My Doctor About My Fatigue?
Although fatigue is a common symptom of MS, tell your doctor if it happens to you. It could signal another medical issue, or there may be ways to help prevent or treat it.
MS Fatigue FAQs
What's the best medicine for MS fatigue?
There's no medicine that's FDA-approved for treating MS fatigue. But your doctor may suggest using some off-label to help. Talk to them about what's best for you.
How do you reverse MS fatigue?
You can't reverse MS fatigue, but lifestyle tips and therapies can help you manage it and avoid triggers.
Are women more prone to MS fatigue?
Yes. Four times as many women have MS as men, and they're also more likely to report feeling fatigued with MS. What's more, they report their fatigue is more severe than fatigue reported by men with MS.
At what age is MS fatigue more prominent?
It can be an early sign of MS, which usually begins in your 20s to 40s. But MS fatigue may be an ongoing symptom throughout your life. How severe it is, and when it's most prominent, varies from person to person. Fatigue alone doesn't mean you have MS.
