Empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives

MS Fatigue: Often Misunderstood

a new study to determine whether an online program can reduce fatigue by improving self-management.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

If you live with MS, you may experience different kinds of fatigue. For example, muscle spasms or bladder issues may keep you up at night. You may find that daily tasks such as getting dressed and preparing meals take more effort. Depression can also cause fatigue. Finally, you may experience “MS fatigue.”

MS Fatigue Versus Regular Fatigue

MS fatigue — referred to as “lassitude” — is unique to people with MS. It is different from other types of fatigue in that it:

Generally occurs daily
May occur in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep
Tends to get worse as the day progresses
Tends to increase with heat and humidity
Comes on easily and suddenly
Is generally more severe than normal fatigue
Is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities
Requires more recovery time
Lasts longer

MS-related fatigue does not appear to be directly related to either depression or your degree of physical impairment.Fatigue alone does not mean that you have MS. Other medical conditions and vitamin deficiencies, for example, can cause fatigue. It takes more than one symptom to diagnose MS. Still, if you are experiencing unusual levels of fatigue, talk to your healthcare provider about possible causes.To learn more about managing fatigue with MS, watch the video below. Find out more in the episode titled Fatigue and MS of Ask an MS Expert." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

You may find that family members, friends, coworkers or employers don’t understand your fatigue. They may think you are depressed or just not trying hard enough. This is in part because it is hard to measure fatigue. Researchers are looking for a test to identify and measure fatigue. Investigators are recruiting for a new study to determine whether an online program can reduce fatigue by improving self-management.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

MS Fatigue Versus Regular Fatigue

MS fatigue — referred to as “lassitude” — is unique to people with MS. It is different from other types of fatigue in that it:

Generally occurs daily
May occur in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep
Tends to get worse as the day progresses
Tends to increase with heat and humidity
Comes on easily and suddenly
Is generally more severe than normal fatigue
Is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities
Requires more recovery time
Lasts longer

Fatigue affects about 80% of people living with MS. If you are among them, learn strategies to manage it.

Managing and Treating Fatigue

rehabilitation, can help you plan ahead to prevent and reduce the effects of MS-related fatigue. They can teach you energy-saving strategies and help you avoid activities that trigger your fatigue.To address your fatigue, you might try:

Occupational therapy to simplify tasks at work and home and conserve energy
Physical therapy to learn energy-saving ways of walking (with or without assistive devices) and performing other daily tasks
Physical therapy to develop a regular exercise program to prevent deconditioning (muscle loss that occurs when you are less active)
Sleep regulation, which might involve treating other MS symptoms that interfere with sleep (e.g., spasticity, urinary dysfunction)
Psychological interventions, such as stress management, relaxation training, membership in a support group, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
Heat management strategies to avoid overheating and to cool down

To find therapists of any kind, use the Find Doctors & Resources tool. For additional support, contact an MS Navigator." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Consult your healthcare provider if fatigue becomes a problem and discuss a treatment plan. They can complete a comprehensive evaluation to identify factors adding to your fatigue and work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Therapies To Decrease MS-Related Fatigue

Different therapies, including rehabilitation, can help you plan ahead to prevent and reduce the effects of MS-related fatigue. They can teach you energy-saving strategies and help you avoid activities that trigger your fatigue.To address your fatigue, you might try:

Occupational therapy to simplify tasks at work and home and conserve energy
Physical therapy to learn energy-saving ways of walking (with or without assistive devices) and performing other daily tasks
Physical therapy to develop a regular exercise program to prevent deconditioning (muscle loss that occurs when you are less active)
Sleep regulation, which might involve treating other MS symptoms that interfere with sleep (e.g., spasticity, urinary dysfunction)
Psychological interventions, such as stress management, relaxation training, membership in a support group, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
Heat management strategies to avoid overheating and to cool down

To find therapists of any kind, use the Find Doctors & Resources tool. For additional support, contact an MS Navigator.

Occupational therapy to simplify tasks at work and home and conserve energy
Physical therapy to learn energy-saving ways of walking (with or without assistive devices) and performing other daily tasks
Physical therapy to develop a regular exercise program to prevent deconditioning (muscle loss that occurs when you are less active)
Sleep regulation, which might involve treating other MS symptoms that interfere with sleep (e.g., spasticity, urinary dysfunction)
Psychological interventions, such as stress management, relaxation training, membership in a support group, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
Heat management strategies to avoid overheating and to cool down

To find therapists of any kind, use the Find Doctors & Resources tool. For additional support, contact an MS Navigator." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Therapies To Decrease MS-Related Fatigue

Occupational therapy to simplify tasks at work and home and conserve energy
Physical therapy to learn energy-saving ways of walking (with or without assistive devices) and performing other daily tasks
Physical therapy to develop a regular exercise program to prevent deconditioning (muscle loss that occurs when you are less active)
Sleep regulation, which might involve treating other MS symptoms that interfere with sleep (e.g., spasticity, urinary dysfunction)
Psychological interventions, such as stress management, relaxation training, membership in a support group, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
Heat management strategies to avoid overheating and to cool down

To find therapists of any kind, use the Find Doctors & Resources tool. For additional support, contact an MS Navigator.

off-label use.You can also maximize your energy by eating healthfully. Experts agree on the following tips for a healthy diet:

Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
If you choose to eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.

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Medication and Nutrition for MS Fatigue

No medications are specifically made for MS fatigue. But you and your healthcare provider may consider some for off-label use.You can also maximize your energy by eating healthfully. Experts agree on the following tips for a healthy diet:

Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
If you choose to eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.

off-label use.You can also maximize your energy by eating healthfully. Experts agree on the following tips for a healthy diet:

Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
If you choose to eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.

" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Medication and Nutrition for MS Fatigue

Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
If you choose to eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.

Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis

MS Fatigue: Often Misunderstood

Types of Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

MS Fatigue Versus Regular Fatigue

Types of Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

MS Fatigue Versus Regular Fatigue

Managing and Treating Fatigue