Contents:
- Medical Video: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Scientific Discoveries and Future Targeted Treatments
- Signs of fatigue due to HIV
- Tips to overcome insomnia
- Fatigue due to HIV can have no cause
- What's important, don't give up
Medical Video: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Scientific Discoveries and Future Targeted Treatments
Feeling tired is normal if you have HIV, especially if you have lived with the virus for years. Fatigue from HIV can affect your ability to work, take care of yourself, and enjoy your life. But calm down, there are a number of ways you can do to overcome fatigue from HIV.
Signs of fatigue due to HIV
Fatigue is one of the initial symptoms of HIV. In general, if you experience HIV fatigue, you will experience headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes (in the throat, armpits, or groin), and sore throats.
These signs can disappear after a while. In some cases, HIV sufferers believe that the symptoms of chronic fatigue they experience are related to the common cold virus. Some other signs of fatigue include anxiety and depression, sleep problems, pain, and infections or other diseases.
HIV can also affect the body without showing symptoms at all for several years.
Tips to overcome insomnia
You can experience insomnia when you have HIV. Insomnia makes you have trouble sleeping or having trouble staying asleep. In both cases, an inadequate night's sleep can make you go through the next day badly. To help you get a good night's sleep, keep in mind the following tips:
- Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day
- Do not lie in bed awake and anxious. If you can't sleep, move to a different part of the house. Take a break until you feel tired enough to try to sleep again on your bed
- Try reading. Don't watch TV or use a cellphone or computer
- Avoid alcohol right before bed and caffeine in the afternoon or evening
- Make your room dark and cool, if possible, to create a supportive environment for sleep
- If you experience difficulty sleeping after trying these recommendations, consult your doctor. He may recommend sedation or hypnotics
Fatigue due to HIV can have no cause
When the source of your fatigue cannot be directly related to depression, insomnia, drugs, or other specific causes, this condition is called idiopathic HIV fatigue. Idiopathic is a medical term which means the cause of the condition is unknown.
Idiopathic HIV fatigue is common, but difficult to predict. You can experience it at any time of the day, and you can experience these days without feeling tired. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) can help. Your doctor can prescribe it for use every day or only when you begin to realize the appearance of fatigue. If you have a history of abuse stimulants, your doctor can find another solution.
What's important, don't give up
HIV is a chronic disease, but with careful use of drugs and healthy habits, you can easily manage it. Fatigue is a common problem faced by many people, including people who have or do not have HIV.
However, there are a number of therapies and behaviors that can help. For most people, exercise can improve mood and body. Maybe, starting your day with a short walk can give you the boost you need to get rid of fatigue and face the day with increased enthusiasm.
Finally, always thinking positively will help you fight HIV more effectively. In addition, try to have a healthy daily routine by exercising; nutrition and outdoor activities also help improve your health.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
