Fatigue in Children

Mummy, don't wake me up, let me sleep a bit longer. I'm very tired and don't feel like going to school... Sounds familiar? If your child doesn't want to wake up in the morning and go to school or has lost interest in studies and other activities, he may not have become lazy as you think. Chances are that he may be tired and suffering from fatigue.

Due to an unhealthy lifestyle, almost everyone suffers from fatigue. Nowadays even children have become a victim to fatigue. Lack of proper nutrients in the diet, consumption of junk food and no exercise can lead to a child feeling lethargic. Some other reasons that can cause fatigue in children are improper sleep cycle, stress or psychological problems, inactivity etc. If this condition is not diagnosed in time, it can lead to severe or chronic fatigue syndrome. Let's see more about this disorder along with its causes, symptoms and treatment.

Causes of Fatigue in Children
Fatigue can be caused due to the following reasons.

• Anemia: One of the main reasons for fatigue is anemia. Children who are anemic often complain of being tired due to lack of iron in the blood. As there is a reduction in the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain due to anemia, children are easily fatigued.
• Lack of Exercise: A child may show inactivity or experience tiredness due to lack of proper exercise.
• Lack of Proper Nutrition: Inadequate or improper nutrition is another reason for a child feeling low in energy. Children are more addicted to junk food like French fries, burgers and pizzas that make them ignore proper home cooked food. Eating junk food does not provide the required nutrients thus, leading to intense tiredness. It can also make the child obese.
• Stress: Contrary to the popular belief that only adults suffer from depression, children also get stressed due to a number of reasons. Stress and depression are also major factors resulting in lethargy in children.

Symptoms of General Fatigue
If your child is feeling tired or is suffering from fatigue you may notice the following symptoms.

• Disinterested and fidgety behavior
• Loss of concentration in studies
• Sleepy and lethargic during the day
• Complaining about frequent headaches
• Feeling irritated and showing signs of depression
• Disinterested in outdoor activities

Indications of Chronic Fatigue
Usually only adults were diagnosed to be suffering from chronic fatigue, but these days it has been found out that even children and adolescents are a victim of chronic fatigue. A child suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome will show the following symptoms.

• Feeling tired even after sleeping
• Trouble in concentrating on daily activities
• Complaining of headache
• Sore throat accompanied by fever
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain and weakness
• Dark circles or puffy eyes

Extreme Fatigue Signs
Extreme fatigue is different from chronic fatigue as extreme fatigue may be an onset for chronic fatigue syndrome. Given below are some symptoms that can be observed in a child suffering from extreme or severe fatigue.

• Becoming extremely moody
• Forgetfulness
• Weakness in the muscles
• Fainting spells and a feeling of nausea
• Shortness of breath and complaining of pain in the chest
• Fever and frequent cough
• Bloodshot and droopy eyes
• Sleeping frequently

Relieving Fatigue
Becoming extremely tired can be a very debilitating condition for the child. Fatigue can be treated in the following way.

• Make your child eat breakfast regularly. You can include cereals, milk or oats in their breakfast to ensure a healthy body.
• Giving supplements like iron and vitamin capsules
• Giving them fruits and fruit juices or protein shakes
• Controlling junk food
• If the child does not show any improvement then you can consult a pediatrician

In order to avoid fatigue in children, give them a balanced diet and make them exercise regularly. Childhood is one of the most enjoyable and cherished times of our lives that cannot be replaced by anything. Don't let your child lose this precious phase due to fatigue.