Do you often feel tired?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that drastically lowers a person’s quality of life—sometimes to the point where they don’t even have the strength to get out of bed.  Understanding why this happens can be challenging.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: General Information

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition in which a person experiences persistent exhaustion for at least six months without any apparent cause. The person is neither ill nor engaged in strenuous physical labor, yet fatigue worsens with physical or mental exertion and does not go away with rest. Additionally, patients often report muscle pain.

More than 3,000 scientific studies have confirmed that CFS is not a form of depression or hypochondria but a distinct condition.

Prevalence

Estimates suggest that up to 2% of the population may suffer from CFS, which amounts to approximately 120–140 million people worldwide.

About a quarter of people who visit a general practitioner report chronic fatigue. However, doctors rarely diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome as the cause—only in about 0.5% of cases, or approximately 1 in 200 patients.

CFS is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50 and is more frequently found in women than in men.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a highly subjective feeling that is difficult to measure. It is normal to experience fatigue after heavy physical or mental work. However, there are other possible causes as well.

Common Causes of Fatigue:

• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Unbalanced diet
• Sleeping less than 7–9 hours per night
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Acute and chronic illnesses such as anemia, cancer, heart and lung diseases, autoimmune disorders.
• Certain medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs
• Vitamin D or B12 deficiency

If a person is not overexerting themselves mentally or physically and none of these factors apply, persistent exhaustion may indicate CFS.

Doctors and researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome may develop due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, certain infections, and exposure to toxins.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people have an inherited susceptibility to chronic fatigue syndrome, especially if close relatives have experienced a similar condition.

A study involving more than 100,000 people found that genetic factors contributed to CFS in 50% of cases.

Symptoms Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Dizziness
• Floaters (spots in vision)
• Headaches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the face, hands, and feet
• Flu-like symptoms: sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, chills, excessive sweating, cough, nausea, or bloating
• Muscle pain
• Sensitivity to noise, light, and smells
• Irritability
• Shortness of breath
• Mood swings

Chronic fatigue syndrome involves both physiological and psycho-emotional symptoms. People often experience dark thoughts and lose interest in activities that once brought them joy.

Prevention

• Healthy daily routine – Proper rest, outdoor walks, and a well-structured sleep schedule improve stress resilience and help prevent CFS.
• Wellness practices – Alternating hot and cold showers, jogging, therapeutic exercises, swimming, and breathing techniques can help manage stress.
• Dietary changes and healthy eating – A diet rich in essential micronutrients and vitamins supports the nervous system and prevents overload.
• Avoiding harmful habits – Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar foods is recommended, as these substances can contribute to depression and mood swings