Fatigue, Decreased Energy, & Lupus

For many people with lupus, extreme fatigue is one of the primary symptoms of the disease.

Know what contributes to this symptom and learn strategies for minimizing the onset as early as possible.

What contributes to fatigue with lupus?

To start, how common is lupus fatigue? Upwards of 80% of people with lupus experience fatigue with many people being unable to continue working. However, the cause of the symptom varies from person to person. But, research has identified many relevant factors including:

• poor sleep quality
• depression and/or anxiety
• anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood)
• vitamin D deficiency

Feelings of fatigue are not necessarily constant. It comes and goes similar to a lupus flare. Complicating matters, diseases that co-exist with lupus such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, and thyroid disease are also associated with fatigue. This can make identifying the root cause of the symptom difficult. Plus, it’s a common side effect of many medications used to treat lupus is increased lethargy.

The power of exercise

The most important thing you can do to avoid feeling fatigued (and it may seem counterintuitive) is maintain a regular exercise schedule. One pilot study even evaluated the use of Wii Fit (yes, the video game system). In the study participants used the system 3 times per week, for 30 minutes each time, for 10 weeks. At the end of the 10 weeks, participants:

• perceived their fatigue to be significantly decreased (using the Fatigue Severity Scale)
• had a lower anxiety level (as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)
• reported a decrease in overall intensity of total pain experience (measured by Short-form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire)
• reduced their waist circumference
• reduced their body fat

Exercise, even walking, is a necessity.

Other lifestyle changes that may help with fatigue

As is common with many chronic conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help decrease the severity of many symptoms. Eating healthy foods – particularly lean meats, fruits, and vegetables – can influence your energy levels. Also, it can be useful to track the foods that you eat to get a better understanding of the source of the calories that you eat.

What should I avoid to combat lupus fatigue?

• Tobacco and drug use
• Limit alcohol intake
• Fast food
• Foods that are high in sugar
• Direct sun exposure