From the Guidelines
To recover from cognitive fatigue, prioritize exercise, such as aerobic, resistance, or a combination, tailored to your individual abilities, as it has been shown to reduce the severity of fatigue, as recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology 1. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of exercise in managing fatigue.
- Additional strategies to aid in recovery from cognitive fatigue include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with or without hypnosis, which has been recommended to reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue in adults undergoing cancer treatment 1.
- Mindfulness-based programs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which have been shown to reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue in adults undergoing cancer treatment 1.
- Tai chi or qigong, practiced at a low to moderate intensity, which can help reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue in adults undergoing cancer treatment 1.
- Psychoeducation, which may be recommended to reduce the severity of cancer-related fatigue in adults undergoing cancer treatment, although the evidence is moderate and the recommendation is conditional 1. It is essential to note that the management of cognitive fatigue should be individualized, taking into account the patient's preferences, abilities, and clinical circumstances.
- Other factors to consider when recovering from cognitive fatigue include:
- Getting adequate sleep, as sleep disturbances can exacerbate fatigue 1.
- Engaging in daily physical activity, which can help improve fatigue symptoms 1.
- Practicing relaxation and stress management skills, such as meditation or deep breathing, which can help reduce fatigue 1. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help alleviate cognitive fatigue and improve your overall quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Strategies for Recovering from Cognitive Fatigue
To recover from cognitive fatigue, several strategies can be employed, including:
- Taking rest breaks, which have been shown to have a restorative effect on mental fatigue 2
- Engaging in mental recovery strategies such as powernap intervention, systematic breathing intervention, and systematic breathing plus mental imagery intervention 3
- Using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome 4, 5
- Implementing lifestyle strategies such as protecting sleep, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption 6
- Utilizing cognitive strategies such as prioritizing tasks, working systematically, and avoiding distractions 6
Benefits of Rest Breaks
Rest breaks have been found to be beneficial in reducing mental fatigue, with studies showing that taking a mid-task break can lead to improved cognitive performance and reduced perceived mental fatigue 3, 2. Additionally, rest breaks can help to improve brain function, with one study finding that taking a break can improve the spatiotemporal global integrity of temporal brain networks 2.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT has been found to be an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, with studies showing that it can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life 4, 5. CBT works by helping individuals to identify and change unhelpful cognitions and behaviors that may be perpetuating their symptoms.
Lifestyle Strategies
Lifestyle strategies such as protecting sleep, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help to reduce cognitive fatigue 6. Additionally, using cognitive strategies such as prioritizing tasks, working systematically, and avoiding distractions can help to improve cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue 6.