A common symptom
Almost everyone who has multiple sclerosis (MS) also has fatigue.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), around 80 percent of those diagnosed with the condition will experience fatigue at some point during the course of the disease.
However, the exact cause of MS-related fatigue remains unknown.
Read on for nine tips that can help you increase your energy and reduce your fatigue.
A different kind of tired
Before learning how to beat fatigue, it’s useful to understand the types of fatigue you may face when you have MS.
Researchers have started to identify a number of distinct characteristics specifically associated with MS. They define it as quite different from garden-variety tiredness:
- Onset: It can begin suddenly.
- Frequency: It often occurs every day.
- Time of day: It can occur in the morning, despite having slept the night before.
- Progression: It commonly worsens throughout the day.
- Sensitivity to heat: Heat and humidity may aggravate it.
- Severity: It tends to be more severe than other types of fatigue.
- Effect on activities: It’s more likely than regular fatigue to disrupt your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Tip 1: Exercise often
According to the Cleveland Clinic, regular physical activity can help fight fatigue related to MS.
Sticking with a consistent exercise program can help with endurance, balance, weight loss, and general well-being — all important for people with MS.
However, there’s one caveat: While exercise helps some people with MS, there are others who won’t experience the same benefit.
If in doubt, talk to your doctor before starting any kind of new fitness program. Also remember that the goal of exercise is to give you more energy, not make you feel more tired.
“To read about more tips like this one click the link: MS Fatigue: 9 Tips to Help You Feel Better.”