Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Vs Regular Tiredness: What Makes It A Serious Medical Condition

Last Updated:
Unlike tiredness, chronic fatigue syndrome affects multiple systems in the body, often following an infection, trauma, or period of significant stress.
Everyone experiences fatigue from time to time – whether it's due to a sleepless night, a high-pressure week at work, or an emotional burnout. But for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), exhaustion goes far beyond everyday tiredness. It's a persistent, life-altering condition that affects physical, mental, and emotional well-being, often leaving individuals struggling to carry out even the simplest daily tasks. Understanding the difference between everyday fatigue and this misunderstood disorder is the first step toward greater empathy and support.
CFS is not just about feeling weary. It is a complex, long-term illness that affects multiple systems in the body, often following an infection, trauma, or period of significant stress. People with CFS experience profound, unrelenting fatigue that does not improve with rest. More importantly, this fatigue worsens after physical or mental exertion – a symptom known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Dr. Anubhav Bhushan Dua, Consultant, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, (Psychiatry), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali says, 'While a good sleep or weekend off may help the average person recover from tiredness, someone with CFS may wake up feeling not better, even after a full night's rest. Their fatigue can be so severe that it interferes with everyday activities – working, studying, socialising, or even basic self-care. Other common symptoms include cognitive dysfunction (often referred to as 'brain fog"), unrefreshing sleep, muscle or joint pain, headaches, dizziness, and irregular heart rhythms."
Another critical difference lies in diagnosis and duration. Feeling tired is usually temporary and linked to a clear cause, such as lack of sleep or overwork. Dr Dua adds, 'In contrast, CFS is diagnosed when fatigue persists for six months or longer and is accompanied by other symptoms, with no identifiable medical explanation."
The challenge with CFS is that it remains an invisible illness. Many sufferers look 'normal' from the outside, often leading to misunderstanding, scepticism, and a lack of support. This stigma can make the condition even harder to bear.
First Published:
May 14, 2025, 15:02 IST

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

2 days ago

• Time of India

Sudden joint pain? Here are 10 common (and not-so-common) causes

Having sudden, widespread joint pain can be alarming, but you are not alone. Joint pain, medically known as arthralgia, occurs when one or more joints are inflamed, damaged, or affected by underlying health conditions. According to MedicalNewsToday, causes can vary from immediate concerns like a viral illness or minor injury to chronic conditions. Inflammation can cause pain based on an infectious process, crystal or mineral deposits, or immune system problems. This causes swelling, stiffness, and often pain. Overuse or past trauma, or general ageing and wear and tear, can also cause pain. The underlying cause must be identified to give you the most effective treatment and pain relief. 10 potential causes of sudden joint pain Flu: Flu is a common infectious illness caused by influenza viruses, with symptoms like severe muscle or body aches, along with fever, chills, cough, sore throat, running nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea, especially in children. While most people recover within two weeks without medical treatment, adults over 65, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for complications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo COVID-19: COVID-19 can cause muscle or body aches along with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most people have mild to moderate symptoms and recover without treatment. However, serious complications such as blood clots, heart failure, and neurological issues can occur. Higher-risk groups include adults over 65, unvaccinated individuals, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immune systems. Post-Viral Complications: While many recover fully from common respiratory viruses, some people experience symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection, including joint pain. Post-viral conditions include- post-viral syndrome, long COVID, and reactive arthritis. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): This is a chronic condition that can develop after a viral illness, though sometimes no trigger is identified. Common symptoms are joint pain without swelling, muscle aches, and headaches. Other signs include flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, difficulty sleeping, cognitive issues known as 'brain fog,' dizziness upon standing, and post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen suddenly after physical or mental activity. Gout: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. This results in sudden inflammation, swelling, and intense pain, often affecting a single joint like the big toe. Gout attacks usually peak within 12 to 24 hours after symptoms begin. Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to joint inflammation and pain. Common autoimmune conditions that affect the joints include: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; managed with medication, therapy, and exercise to prevent damage. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; managed with medication, therapy, and exercise to prevent damage. Lupus: Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs; treatments manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Affects 20% of psoriasis patients, causing joint inflammation; treated with medication, therapy, and exercise. Also read | 10 common heart health myths that you must know One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

Hindustan Times

12-06-2025

• Hindustan Times

Sleepless nights, brain fog, no energy? 6 simple habits that could finally end your daily exhaustion

Do you often end up feeling tired and weak? Are you unable to do the daily activities with ease? Struggling with sleep problems? Well, this can happen due to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Yes, you have heard it right! CFS is a debilitating condition that affects daily functioning. It is essential to know the symptoms and adopting vital strategies to improve the quality of life. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kushal Bangar, consultant physician at AIMS Hospital in Dombivli, shared, 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is characterised by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with any activity. Beyond persistent tiredness, people may experience cognitive difficulties, lack of sleep, muscle and joint pain, brain fog and dizziness that severely impact daily life.' He revealed, 'While the exact cause remains unclear, factors like viral infections, immune system issues and hormonal imbalances can lead to this condition. Managing CFS is the need of the hour.' Follow these tips by Dr Bangar and you will be able to feel better. 1. Take it easy: Avoid overexertion by striking a balance between work and rest. Adhering to a structured routine can help prevent symptom flare-ups. So, don't rush and stay calm and composed. Break your tasks into small steps to be able to perform them effectively. 2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a restful environment and limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. 3. Adopt a balanced diet: Eat a nutritious diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils, and seeds. Staying hydrated and avoiding processed foods. Quit smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use. 4. Exercise: Incorporate low-impact activities like walking or yoga, adjusting intensity based on your energy levels. Moreover, exercise under the guidance of a trainer and only after consulting the expert. 5. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to stay relaxed and feel rejuvenated. 6. Seek support: Connect with an expert or join support groups to share experiences and coping strategies. Remember to take proactive steps toward managing their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life. Don't be harsh on yourself and just try to remain positive. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Business Standard

06-06-2025

• Business Standard

Love coffee? Here's when too much caffeine starts hurting your health

For most office-goers, coffee is the holy grail that powers them through deadlines and endless meetings. But is your caffeine fix secretly sabotaging your health? Business Standard spoke to Charu Dua, chief dietician and head of clinical nutrition at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and former chief clinical nutritionist at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, to understand how that extra cup (or three) might be doing more harm than good, and what you can sip instead. How common is excessive caffeine intake among office workers? While many turn to coffee for an energy boost, over-relying on caffeine is worryingly common in high-stress workplaces. Dua highlights some tell-tale signs: Withdrawal symptoms: Headaches, irritability, and fatigue when you skip caffeine 'If you're using coffee to mask poor sleep or chronic stress, it's a red flag,' she points out. What are the health risks of too much caffeine? The effects of too much caffeine go far beyond a racing heart or a jittery feeling. According to Dua, short-term impacts include: Increased heart rate and palpitations Anxiety and jitteriness Digestive disturbances Long-term effects can be even more serious: Dependence, leading to withdrawal headaches and fatigue Increased risk of anxiety and depression Sleep disruption, which then feeds into a vicious cycle of caffeine dependence 'Excessive caffeine can significantly disrupt your mental and physical health if not moderated,' warns Dua. How caffeine harms productivity, sleep, and mental health Initially, caffeine can enhance focus and alertness, especially if you're sleep-deprived. But Dua cautions, 'Regular high intake can backfire, affecting your ability to sleep well, which in turn reduces productivity and mental clarity.' Caffeine late in the day can cause insomnia and poor sleep quality, and for sensitive individuals, it can even worsen anxiety and depression. Who should limit or avoid caffeine? Dua points out that caffeine can be particularly problematic for: Best healthy coffee alternatives for office-goers Looking for ways to stay energised without the caffeine crash? Dua recommends: 'These drinks offer alertness without the jitteriness of coffee,' she adds. How to quit caffeine without facing withdrawal symptoms Quitting caffeine cold turkey is tough. Dua suggests a gentle taper: Maintain a balanced diet to naturally boost energy levels 'Gradual reduction and mindfulness can make the process easier and sustainable,' she assures. Health benefits of coffee: Why moderation matters Absolutely, in moderation! Dua shares that regular coffee consumption may actually reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases: Liver conditions: Lower risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer Hypertension: Moderate intake can help reduce blood pressure risk Type 2 diabetes: Coffee drinkers show a lower risk profile Parkinson's disease: Higher caffeine intake is linked with lower risk But, and this is important, moderation is the golden rule. 'Mindfulness about how much and when you consume coffee is essential,' says Dua. Coffee can be a wonderful pick-me-up, but guzzling cup after cup may quietly harm your health. According to experts, staying mindful of your caffeine habits, listening to your body, and embracing healthier alternatives can make all the difference in how you feel, both at your desk and beyond.