Rethinking Fatigue: More than a Simple Tiredness
Fatigue affects about one in four people at some point, often in the context of chronic illness or long-term health challenges. While pain can sometimes be eased with medication, fatigue is a more elusive symptom. It isn’t merely a lack of energy; it’s a protective signal from the brain, cues that help the body avoid overexertion and potential harm.
What the Brighton Study Found
Researchers at the University of Brighton, led by Dr. Jeanne Dekerle, a sports physiologist in the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, are shedding new light on why fatigue occurs and how it can be managed. Their work suggests that the brain continuously monitors the body’s capacity, deciding when to push ahead and when to slow down. In their view, fatigue is the brain’s strategic retreat, a safety mechanism rather than a straightforward indicator of weakness.
The Brain as a Fatigue Regulator
According to Dr. Dekerle, “Your brain is constantly checking whether your body can keep going without getting into trouble. Fatigue is its way of saying ‘slow down’ – not because you’re weak, but because it’s trying to keep you safe.” This reframing shifts the conversation from chasing constant energy to understanding the brain’s permissive limits. When the brain detects signals of potential overload—heart rate spikes, rising perceived exertion, or ongoing inflammation—it can trigger fatigue to signal rest and recovery.
From Theory to Practice: Gentle Physical Activity as a Tool
Importantly, the Brighton findings point toward practical strategies. Gentle physical activity, performed consistently, may help recalibrate the brain’s fatigue signals without pushing the body beyond its safe boundary. Rather than focusing solely on intensity, the approach emphasizes pacing, rest, and gradual progression. This aligns with a growing body of work in exercise physiology that values sustainable activity as a means to enhance overall brain-body communication.
How to get started
- Choose low-to-moderate intensity activities you enjoy, such as walking, light cycling, yoga, or tai chi.
- Prioritize consistency over duration. Short, daily sessions can be more effective for long-term fatigue management than sporadic, intense workouts.
- Pace yourself: use RPE (rating of perceived exertion) scales to stay within a comfortable range that respects the brain’s safety signals.
- Incorporate rest days and focus on sleep quality, hydration, and nutrition to support recovery processes in the brain and body.
- Monitor symptoms: if fatigue worsens or new symptoms appear, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.
Implications for Health Care and Daily Life
These insights offer a practical lens for clinicians, caregivers, and individuals living with fatigue linked to chronic illness or recovery. Rather than aiming for heroic daily exertion, patients and providers can collaborate on recovery plans that respect the brain’s natural checks and balances. Gentle activity becomes a tool not just for energy maintenance, but for improving the brain’s tolerance to everyday tasks and potentially reducing the risk of overexertion injuries or relapses.
Taking a Holistic View
Fatigue is multifaceted, influenced by sleep, mood, inflammation, and physical health. The Brighton study emphasizes that managing fatigue is not a one-size-fits-all prescription. It calls for individualized strategies that blend gentle activity with rest, stress management, and medical guidance where needed. By listening to the brain’s fatigue signals and choosing sustainable movement, people may experience clearer thinking, steadier energy, and better daily functioning over time.
