Fatigue as a Core Symptom of Insomnia Q&A

Yes, insomnia can cause extreme fatigue. Most people with insomnia experience fatigue as one of the symptoms of the disorder, but for some, this fatigue can be severe, interfering with every part of their day. The longer insomnia and sleep deprivation go on, the more severe the symptoms and complications will be. Chronic insomnia, for example, is linked with extreme lethargy and daytime tiredness; it is also associated with an increased risk for countless medical conditions, like stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and heart failure.

Insomnia and fatigue go hand in hand; the two conditions are highly linked and interrelated. While fatigue is often caused by insomnia, it is not the other way around. One may experience fatigue without insomnia, but it is rare to experience insomnia without fatigue. There are a number of causes of insomnia; sometimes insomnia is the primary problem, but it may also be associated with other conditions. Common causes of chronic insomnia include:

– Stress — When your mind is active at night, thinking about work, family, school, health, or finances, it can make it difficult to sleep. Stressful life events or trauma may also lead to insomnia, including relationship problems, divorce, the death of a loved one, or a job loss.

– Travel or Work Schedule — Acting as an internal clock, the circadian rhythm regulates bodily processes such as your sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, and body temperature. Disrupting your body’s circadian rhythms, such as from jet lag after traveling across multiple time zones, working an early or late shift, or frequently changing work schedules, can lead to insomnia.

– Poor Sleep Habits — Sleep hygiene is the term used to refer to your sleep environment and bedtime practices that facilitate quality sleep. Bad habits include an irregular bedtime schedule, napping late in the day, an uncomfortable sleep environment, stimulating activities before bed, and using your bed for anything other than sleep (and intimacy).

– Eating Too Much Late in the Evening — Having a light snack before bedtime is perfectly fine and can even help stave off hunger and loud stomach grumbles that can distract you from falling asleep. However, eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down, and can increase the likelihood of heartburn, which may keep you awake.

Yes, extra sleep can certainly help with fatigue, but if an underlying condition is causing your fatigue, adequate quality sleep may not be enough to resolve the issue. For example, if you are feeling fatigued due to a condition known as sleep apnea, sleeping a few extra hours will not help treat the problem; it may not even make you feel more rested.

Trust the sleep specialists at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to help improve your quality of sleep and overcome your fatigue! We serve patients from all across the United States, and currently have seven locations, including: one in El Paso, TX; one in Kansas City, MO; one in Wausau, WI; one in Mishawaka, IN; one in Peoria – Dunlap, IL; and one in Bloomington, IL. Schedule an appointment with an experienced TMJ disorder specialist at any of our locations today to receive top-level care! We look forward to serving you!