How Can People With MS Manage Fatigue And Energy Levels?

How Can People With MS Manage Fatigue And Energy Levels?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that causes disruption to functioning of the central nervous system. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms that impact the quality of life of the patient. There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can potentially slow its progress or lessen the frequency or severity of relapses.

Many people find that by actively managing their symptoms and general health, they can improve their quality of life and make the condition easier to live with. Here’s a look at some daily living strategies that people with mild to moderate MS may find beneficial.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, and it can be seriously debilitating. It’s more than feeling tired most of the time; it’s feeling exhausted to a degree that is out of proportion to the activity undertaken. The fatigue can also be mental, causing brain fog and worse short term memory and concentration levels. 

Fatigue can be a difficult problem to manage, and it is not always easy to explain to other people the impact it has because there are no visible symptoms. It can come on suddenly and doesn’t necessarily go away with rest. 

Researchers are not completely sure why so many people with MS are affected by fatigue, but it is thought that it can be the result of the condition itself, or the consequences of living with the condition. The former type is simply thought to be because it takes up more energy for the damaged central nervous system to do its job.

The latter, known as secondary fatigue, is thought to be a result of symptoms such as pain, depression, weaker bladder control, disturbed sleep, or the side effects of medication. While it is not possible to prevent the feeling of fatigue occuring, it is possible to manage energy levels through lifestyle and strategic planning.

Boosting energy levels can be achieved through a combination of eating healthily, sticking to a good sleep routine, taking exercise, and managing stress levels. Planning and prioritising can help to ensure that the energy available is used in the most effective way.  

Eating small, frequent meals that contain a good balance of proteins, fibre and unsaturated fats can help to maintain a steady supply of energy and avoid sudden crashes. This not only improves energy levels, but also helps to maintain a healthy weight, keeps the skin and bones in good condition, and reduces the risk of developing other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. 

Sleep is obviously crucial to our ability to mentally and physically refresh our bodies and minds. To give yourself the best chance of a good night’s rest, go to bed and get up at the same time every day; limit intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants; and develop a wind down routine that starts an hour or so before bed to help your mind prepare for rest. 

It is natural to reduce activity levels when you are feeling fatigued, but this can make the problem worse, because the more unfit you become, the more difficult and energy-intensive every day tasks of living will become. Staying active does not necessarily mean going to the gym; it can include household chores, carrying groceries, or going for a brisk walk. 

As well as boosting your energy levels, it’s important to make sure that you are making the best use of the energy that you have available. Keep a journal to record which activities you find most tiring, and plan to spread them out throughout the week rather than attempting too much in a short period of time. 

If you are currently struggling to carry out all of the activities you have planned, prioritise them in order of importance. However, remember that you should prioritise enjoyable activities as well as chores, otherwise your mental health may begin to suffer and this can in turn be a further drain on your energy and motivation levels. 

Make sure that you take regular breaks in between activities and break bigger jobs up into smaller more manageable steps if need be. If you have the opportunity to delegate tasks to family members or friends, this can help you to conserve energy levels. 

Be mindful of other people’s time pressures and responsibilities, and consider exploring the possibility of hiring paid assistants for jobs such as gardening, cleaning or laundry. 

If you would like some more information about multiple sclerosis and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours