Medical Treatment
Your doctor is likely to recommend tests for medical causes, such as anemia and hormonal imbalances, and you may require some type of medical treatment, such as blood transfusions or medications to increase red blood cell production. If your fatigue is caused by an infection, treating the infection should help. If depression, anxiety, or stress is a factor, treating your underlying emotional state could help address your fatigue.

Keeping track of information such as how much you sleep, what you eat, and activities that you find particularly tiring in a journal can help you and your health care provider better understand what is causing your fatigue and how to treat it.

In addition, these lifestyle tips can also help you conserve your energy and fight fatigue:

Plan Ahead
Plan your day and week so that important activities are scheduled at the time of day—usually in the morning—when your energy level is highest.

Rest
Rest improves overall endurance and leaves strength for enjoyable activities. Take breaks and rest during or after activities, or take naps during the course of the day. However, if you have insomnia, try not to nap within six hours of your bedtime.

Eat Well
What you eat can have a major impact on your energy level. Talk with a nutritionist to work out a healthy, nutrient-rich eating plan that meets your calorie, protein and vitamin needs. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, juice and milk, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine. If you are unable to consume an adequate diet or absorb nutrients from the foods you eat, nutritional supplements can help make up the difference,⁹ and your doctor may recommend them to you.

Exercise
Light to moderate exercise will help increase your energy and fight fatigue. Work exercise into your daily activities, and work up to a schedule that involves at least 20 minutes of light to moderate exercise, at least three times a week, for as long as you are feeling better.¹⁰ Be aware that your fitness level may be different than it used to be. To avoid injury, it is very important that you gradually work your way into an exercise program, rather than starting too quickly.¹¹

Don't Overdo It & Don't Try to Do It All Yourself
Conserving energy can be a powerful tool in fighting fatigue. This means you should be making deliberate choices about where and on what you spend your energy. Ask yourself what needs to be done, what can be left undone and what can be done later.¹² Be aware of your body movements and exertions during daily activities. Limit work that requires increased muscle tension, such as lifting heavy objects. Try to sit when possible when performing tasks such as preparing food. Ask for help from family members or friends for tasks such as shopping, cleaning and preparing meals.

Sleep Better
Many people with have problems sleeping, which can lead to fatigue. Psychological factors – depression, anxiety and stress – are common reasons for insomnia. In addition, physical conditions, such as diarrhea or pain, can disrupt sleep, and some medications and recreational drugs can also lead to poor sleep or insomnia. Caffeine can also interfere with sleep. Talk with your doctor if you are having problems sleeping.

Avoid Recreational Drugs and Alcohol
The after-effects of many recreational drugs, including amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol, are common causes of fatigue. These drugs are known to cause sleep disorders, dehydration and lethargy. Avoiding the use of these substances may help you sleep better.