From the Guidelines
Non-pharmacological treatments for fatigue include regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene, stress management, and proper nutrition, as recommended by the most recent guidelines from 2023 1 and 2024 1.
Key Non-Pharmacological Interventions
- Regular physical activity: Even small amounts like a 10-minute walk daily can improve cardiovascular function and release endorphins, thus increasing energy levels.
- Good sleep hygiene: Establishing consistent sleep patterns, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can significantly reduce fatigue.
- Stress management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga practiced for 10-15 minutes daily can help reduce the energy drain caused by chronic stress.
- Proper nutrition: Eating regular meals with a balance of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats; staying well-hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water daily; and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption can help manage fatigue.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Can help address thought patterns that contribute to fatigue, as supported by evidence from studies on cancer-related fatigue 1 and inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases 1.
Evidence Base
The evidence for these interventions comes from a range of studies, including those focused on cancer-related fatigue 1, inflammatory bowel disease 1, and inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases 1. While the specific context of each study may vary, the consensus across the literature supports the effectiveness of these non-pharmacological interventions in managing fatigue.
Clinical Application
In clinical practice, these interventions should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and circumstances. For example, patients with significant deconditioning or weakness may require referral to a physiatrist or a supervised rehabilitation program before starting an exercise program 1. Similarly, patients with insomnia or sleep disturbances may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as part of their fatigue management plan 1.
By prioritizing these non-pharmacological interventions, healthcare providers can help patients manage fatigue effectively, improving their quality of life and reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic fatigue.
From the Research
Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options for Fatigue
- Exercise is a non-pharmacological approach that has been shown to be effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue 2, 3, 4, 5
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also a recommended non-pharmacological intervention for fatigue, with evidence of its effectiveness in reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality 2, 3, 4, 6
- Other non-pharmacological interventions that have been found to be effective in reducing fatigue include:
- These interventions can be used alone or in combination to help manage fatigue in different populations, including individuals with cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and older adults 2, 3, 4, 5, 6