Table of contents:
- Signs of HIV fatigue
- Tips for dealing with insomnia
- Fatigue due to HIV can have no cause
- The important thing, don't give up
Feeling tired is common if you have HIV, especially if you have lived with the virus for many years. HIV fatigue can affect your ability to work, take care of yourself, and enjoy your life. But still, there are a number of ways you can do to deal with fatigue caused by HIV.
Signs of HIV fatigue
Fatigue is one of the early symptoms of HIV. In general, if you experience fatigue due to HIV, you will experience headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes (in the throat, armpits, or groin), and sore throat.
These signs may disappear after a while. In some cases, people with HIV believe that their chronic fatigue symptoms are related to the common cold virus. Some of the other signs of fatigue include anxiety and depression, sleep problems, pain, and infections or other illnesses.
HIV can also affect the body without showing any symptoms for several years.
Tips for dealing with insomnia
You can experience insomnia when you have HIV. Insomnia makes it difficult for you to sleep or trouble staying asleep. In either case, that insufficient night's sleep can put you off the next day badly. To help you get a good night's sleep, keep these tips in mind:
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- Don't lie in bed awake and anxious. If you can't sleep, move to a different part of the house. Rest until you feel tired enough to try falling back into your bed
- Try reading. Don't watch TV or use cell phones or computers
- Avoid alcohol right before bed and caffeine in the afternoon or evening
- Make your bedroom dark and cool, if possible, to create a favorable environment for sleeping
- If you are still having trouble sleeping after trying these suggestions, consult your doctor. He or she may recommend sedatives or hypnosis
Fatigue due to HIV can have no cause
When the source of your fatigue cannot be directly attributed to depression, insomnia, drugs, or some other specific cause, the 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 days without feeling tired. Using stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) can help. Your doctor can prescribe it for daily use or only when you begin to notice fatigue. If you have a history of stimulant abuse, your doctor can find other solutions.
The important thing, don't give up
HIV is a chronic disease, but with careful drug use and healthy habits, you can easily manage it. Fatigue is a common problem faced by many people, including people who have or don't have HIV.
However, there are a number of behavioral and therapies that can help. For most people, exercise can improve mood and body. Perhaps, starting your day on a short walk can give you the boost you need to shake off your fatigue and face the day with a lift in excitement.
Finally, by always thinking positive thoughts will help you fight HIV more effectively. Also, try to have a healthy daily routine with exercise; nutrition and outdoor activities also help improve your health.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
x
