University of Michigan Finding Success with Chronic Fatigue Treatments

The University of Michigan has just released information regarding the dangers of not getting enough sleep, illness and stress can have on our well being.

According the University of Michigan's press release, there is a fine line that factors of our everyday lives can cross from just being tired to debilitating fatigue.

In the information released today the specific case of Jennifer Sieck is discussed. Sieck said of her problems, "It would be a big deal and everyone would get excited if I'd come down to the living room and could sit there for 10 or 20 minutes." Sieck was suffering from severe fatigue that would just not go away, no matter how much sleep she got. She said, "It's not about being tired, it's about being in a state where you are not yourself."

Jennifer Sieck is not alone according to information presented by the University of Michigan. According to statistics, doctors report that around 20 to 30 percent of primary care patients describe feelings of fatigue.

Dr. Andrew Heyman from the Family Medicine Department of the University of Michigan Health System said, "Feeling fatigued is something people shouldn't ignore. When you feel fatigued and you do the normal activities-such as improving your diet, getting adequate sleep at night and reducing your stress-and you're still fatigued and can't do normal activates, then it's time to see your doctor."

The good news for the numerous sufferers of fatigue is that there is help out there. The University of Michigan has a number facilities centered on sleep disorders, fatigue and fatigue as a result of depression.

According to Dr. Heyman when he and his colleagues are treating patients they carry out a number tests to fully evaluate the patient's current conditions. This allows them to make a good diagnosis as to the potential cause of the patient's fatigue.

Areas that are tested are those that are felt to be contributors to fatigue. For example problems with sleep; stress, the digestive tract and adrenal function can all be culprits.

When Jennifer Sieck was evaluated she was found to have Crohn's disease and it was this that was the main factor causing her fatigue. Sieck underwent a number of treatments that are thought help fatigue sufferers.

Fatigue treatments include meditating, detoxifying baths, physical therapy and acupuncture.

Feeling fatigued is something that should not be ignored according to the report put out by the University of Michigan, as many of its causes could be the result of a serious health condition.

Just some of the health issues leading to fatigue are: depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, under active thyroid, using alcohol, illegal drugs and to many medications, tuberculosis, AIDS, eating disorders, cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes and lupus are just a few.

Dr Heyman suggests there are a number of ways to reduce or prevent fatigue. Some of his suggestions are getting enough sleep on a regular basis (at least 8 hours a night), get enough victims and minerals, try acupuncture and try meditation.

Sources
University of Michigan Health Press Release

University of Michigan information about fatigue