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Are you facing an energy crisis?

When was the last time you did nothing? If you're like most of us, you probably can't remember. Many people today feel guilty or lazy if they're not busy. Some even take competitive pride in their capacity to "multi-task." Why waste precious time just driving to work when you can return phone calls, eat breakfast and listen to a best-seller on tape while you're waiting for the light to change?

It's no wonder that constant fatigue is a by-product of our frenetic, time pressured world. The human body (as well as our mind and spirit) needs down-time. We were not created to be constantly moving, thinking, working and doing "something useful."

Primitive humans synchronized their lives with the world around them. When darkness fell, they went to sleep, until the rising sun told them it was time to wake up (without benefit of alarm clocks). Now, our days extend far into the night, with television, the Internet and all-night superstores luring us away from that great "time-waster," sleep. A recent survey revealed that one-third of Americans get 6-1/2 hours of sleep or less a night, 90 minutes less than the recommended eight hours. 

Chronic sleep deprivation affects children and adolescents as well. Early school start times, pressures to achieve, and the round-the-clock prevalence of computers and cell phones result in less sleep, poor school performance, and health and behavior problems.

Rita Conway, a massage therapist and holistic health care educator with Aurora Complementary Medicine, attributes fatigue to an accumulation of factors. "Our American work ethic drives many people to simply take on more responsibilities than they have time for. Add to this increased job demands, longer travel time to and from work, too little exercise, poor nutrition, reliance on caffeine, alcohol and other drugs, and the sensory overload that is the price we pay for the benefits of technology — all of these taken together over time can take a very serious toll on our health and well-being."

Research proves conclusively that fatigued workers experience more on-the-job accidents, a decline in job performance and productivity, and diminished capacity to cope with the inevitable stresses of life. Fatigue has an impact on important relationships as well, leaving people without the time, patience and emotional energy to invest in spouse, family and friends.

If you're tired of being tired, you can do something about it. Realize that caring for yourself is not an optional indulgence, but is critical to physical, mental and emotional health. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, exercising, and seeking a balance between work and family life are essential. 

Beyond that, identify what gives you relaxation and pleasure and make it a priority. Your own "healthy sanctuary" is as individual as you are — whether it's reading, music, painting, a walk outdoors, bowling, volunteer work, or pets. Making time to slow down and "recharge" will make an enormous difference in your energy and quality of life now, as well as laying the foundation for healthy aging.

Conway suggests that keeping a journal can assist us in learning to observe and identify our physical and emotional "cues," especially for those accustomed to pushing their limits. By listening to your body's needs and responding to them in healthy ways, you will find a more natural rhythm to your life and in the process, find yourself spending time on what really matters to you (and saying "no" to what doesn't). If getting more rest and taking care of yourself still leaves you with unrelenting fatigue, see your doctor. 

A comprehensive exam can identify or rule out any illnesses or medical causes for your condition. If you need help in making lifestyle changes, your EAP can help you evaluate your priorities and make healthier choices.

When fatigue won't go away:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia

Fatigue affects everyone at some point. Address the causes – slow down, get some rest – and most people feel refreshed and renewed. But for some, the fatigue never goes away. They suffer from a mysterious and debilitating disorder known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Called the "yuppie flu" when it first appeared in the early 80s, CFS is now known to affect people of all ages, races and income levels. For many, CFS begins after a bout with a cold, mononucleosis or other illness, or during a period of extreme stress. Its cause is unknown, making prevention and treatment difficult at best.

There is no test for CFS; it is diagnosed by ruling out other diseases with the same symptoms. These symptoms include severe fatigue, not relieved with bed rest; general weakness; muscle aches; joint pain; headaches; sleep difficulties; forgetfulness; trouble concentrating, and others. If fatigue lasts for six months or more and is accompanied by at least four other symptoms (and other illnesses have been ruled out), CFS is the probable diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia is another "syndrome" (so called because, like CFS, it consists of a cluster of variable symptoms with no diagnosable cause), often associated with persistent fatigue, widespread pain or aching, and sleep problems.

Since there is no single treatment for CFS or fibromyalgia, patients are advised to treat their symptoms and learn effective ways to manage their fatigue. Knowledge is key to living with these illnesses. Learn all you can and take an active role in your own health care.