Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): When Exhaustion Becomes a Medical Disorder

December 6, 2025

Internal Medicine, Mental Health & Well-Being Tips

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): When Exhaustion Becomes a Medical Disorder

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
06 December, 2025

If you have been complaining of low energy, chronic fatigue and related issues, but have been dismissed fairly quickly, you are not alone. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) actually exists and it is a medical condition in which the affected person is perpetually tired – and this has been especially highly prevalent after the COVID-19 pandemic, as chronic fatigue has been a long-covid issue which has been commonly reported all over the world. Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalitis is a condition where a person reports flu or fatigue-like symptoms for longer than 6 months at a time and the main problem here is even if you rest, you still wake up feeling tired and drained out. If you somehow do manage to exert yourself, you feel worse than ever and just need to rest. This vicious cycle never ends with this condition and can negatively impact your daily quality of life.

Causes Of Chronic Fatigue

Studies are being done on this condition and doctors are not really sure why it affects some people and not others. Research has shown that there is some kind of autoimmune component to it and that cells don’t make energy in the right way, leading to lethargy and slowness- which is pretty bad for the brain and muscles or highly metabolically active cell types like those. Certain viral infections can trigger CFS – like COVID-19 or the Epstein-Barr virus. This condition has been observed to more commonly affect females, teenagers or individuals in the 40-60 years of age bracket.

Symptoms of CFS

People witH CFS present with the following symptoms, though they amy vary in severity and other unusual symptoms may also be present-

Not being able to sleep well.
Feeling drained out or tired even after getting enough sleep.
Having body pain and headaches.
Not being able to remember stuff or having issues with focus, memory retention.
Some people may deal with anxiety, depression or other mood disorders.
Gut issues like IBS, constipation or diarrhoea are not uncommon.
General weakness and vision issues may also be present.

Though these symptoms are felt through the day to some degree, they worsen considerably after any kind of exertion- this is called post-exertional malaise.

CFS Diagnosis Criteria

Though CFS presents with vague symptoms and exact diagnosis is hard, physicians have tried to streamline the process to make diagnosis easier. Here are some criteria they look for

Not being able to sleep
Having extreme fatigue, even if you have taken enough rest or slept for a long time- and this continues for over 6 months.
Fatigue that seems to get much worse after exertion of any kind- mental or physical.
Having orthostatic issues- like not being able to sit up or stand for some time- along with cognitive function related problems.

Long-Term Fatigue Treatment

Treatment involves the use of medications for body pain, depression, mood disorders, immune support and for infections which may be causing symptoms to flare up. Other approaches are being studied.

Managing Chronic Fatigue

One of the ways to ensure that you don’t stay tired always is to be smart about scheduling rest periods- like not using caffeine or stimulants in the evening, going to sleep at the same time everyday to get into a proper sleep schedule and to not take long naps, however conveniently tempting that may seem. You will need to learn to pace yourself- and rest enough before any major exertion in the day, as you will need to build energy up for them.

Conclusion

Therapy has been observed to help affected individuals- CBT can help patients with pacing themselves better, teach them to cope with fear of overexertion and work on establishing a nearly constant sleep schedule. It can also teach a person to slowly get back to their daily routine and not just give up. CBT may not always work for everyone though, so it is important to have discussions with your doctor and therapist about how you feel, on a regular basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term condition marked by profound exhaustion that does not improve with rest and worsens after exertion. It affects energy production, the nervous system and several body systems, leading to substantial limits on daily activity.

What are the main symptoms of CFS?

Fatigue is severe and persistent. Other symptoms include cognitive difficulty (“brain fog”), unrefreshing sleep, muscle and joint pain, headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms often fluctuate and can be disabling.

What is post-exertional malaise?

PEM is a clear worsening of symptoms after physical, mental or emotional effort. The decline often appears hours later and may last days or longer. Even small tasks, such as a short walk, concentrating on a conversation or dealing with stress, can trigger a marked drop in function.

How is CFS treated or managed?

There is no cure. Management focuses on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life and preventing relapses. Care may include pain management, sleep support, treatment of co-existing conditions, pacing strategies and help with mobility or occupational adjustments. Graded exercise therapy is no longer recommended, as it can worsen PEM. Cognitive behavioural therapy may support coping but does not treat the underlying illness.

What lifestyle changes help improve CFS symptoms?

Pacing is central: balancing activity with rest to avoid crashes. Keeping a daily log helps identify energy limits. A calm sleep routine, gentle stretching within personal limits, hydration, balanced meals and reduction of overstimulation can ease symptoms. Some people benefit from assistive devices, breaks in upright activity to reduce orthostatic symptoms and planning tasks for times of higher energy. Regular review with a clinician ensures support is tailored to current needs.