Lethargy – Types, Health Effects, and Remedies for this Syndrome

In the simplest way, the main states through which the human body passes are good and bad. Throughout a year, a person can oscillate between states of well-being and fatigue, regardless of age. One of the reasons causing this fatigue is asthenic syndrome or asthenia, which for a long time was considered a myth.

What does this asthenia mean? In medical terms, it involves a decrease in physical and mental capacity or, more simply, a state of pronounced fatigue that a person experiences both physically and mentally.

You will discover how and why asthenia affects both adults and children today, how many types exist, and how you can fight against it to regain your physical and mental tone.

Asthenia – definition, types, and causes 

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The term asthenia comes from Greek and means without vigor / lacking vigor. Medically, it is a complex syndrome, manifesting through various symptoms that affect both physical and psychological states. In the past, adults were most affected by pronounced fatigue, but now an increase in the number of children facing this problem is observed. This is due to a complex accumulation of factors, which has led to its division into several types, depending on common symptoms.

Asthenia can be divided into:

• physical and psychological asthenia;
• asthenia that manifests according to the season.

Physical and psychological asthenia can be further divided into:

Muscle asthenia. It is a state of fatigue and weakness that a person may feel in their arms and thighs, which can cause tingling, numbness, and cramps. The main causes of muscle asthenia are sedentary lifestyle and aging. Asthenia is often felt during seasonal changes, manifesting as general body weakness and can sometimes become chronic.

Functional asthenia. It has two types: chronic, which can occur after various surgical procedures, and psychiatric, often associated with various mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Neurocirculatory asthenia. It is a chronic fatigue that can be caused by a lack of motivation and energy, characterized by prolonged weakness. This weakness is most often felt at the muscular level and in the circulatory system.

Neurovegetative asthenia. It is also known as neurovegetative dystonia. It is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that manifests as an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are responsible for the correct functioning of internal organs and the state of rest, respectively.

Nervous or anxious asthenia. It is also known as intellectual fatigue. It occurs as a result of mental overexertion. It is more common in men. The main causes of nervous asthenia are excessive work, long hours at the desk, and the merging of personal and professional life. It is also known as burnout syndrome, which leads to nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of nervous asthenia are quite varied, manifesting both physically through hair loss, dizziness, and decreased muscle tone, and psychologically where fatigue, irritability, and confusion are some of the main manifestations.

This syndrome has become so common that in the medical world, people talk about global asthenia or, more simply, it is very likely that anyone, anywhere in the world, suffers from this condition at some point in one form or another.

But what are the causes of asthenia? These are quite complex, as they can manifest differently in men, women, and children. The most important ones are:

• sedentary lifestyle has become a determining factor in the onset of any type of asthenia today, as people are no longer as active as in the past;
• depressive and anxious states, which lead to neuro-psychiatric and neuro-vegetative asthenia;
• the existence of conditions that a person may or may not be aware of, including various vitamin deficiencies in the body, anemias, diseases of the cardiovascular system or thyroid gland (especially in women);
• side effects of medications taken for certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in some individuals;
• transition from one season to another.

In addition to these, specifically, pregnant women may feel very tired during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. In children, the stress of moving from kindergarten to school, for example, can lead to asthenic and fatigability states.

Spring, autumn asthenia, and other types – symptoms 

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Asthenia and fatigability are two stress states for the human body that can go through them several times a year, this syndrome being often associated with the transition from one season to another. 

Fatigability is a state of tiredness that, unlike asthenia, occurs after minor efforts. It also manifests as a loss of muscle strength, which is why it is associated with asthenic syndrome.

Recent studies have shown that the symptoms of both states can affect both the physical and psychological aspects of humans, involving serious manifestations.

But what are the symptoms of asthenia? Although each person may feel it differently, there are some common manifestations, including:

• physical fatigue;
• nervousness and irritability, which has led to the categorization of asthenia as anxious, nervous, neuropsychic, and neurovegetative;
• headaches;
• lack of appetite.

How else does physical asthenia manifest? Here are some other symptoms:

• dizziness;
• joint pain;
• vision disturbances;
• chest pain;
• difficulty breathing.

Often, these can be confused with other conditions, so it is advisable to also get medical tests and a consultation, as there are medications for asthenia. Equally, a more balanced lifestyle can help alleviate these symptoms.

Most often, asthenia is associated with the transition from one season to another, which is why you have most likely often heard the terms spring or autumn asthenia. These are associated with increased melatonin levels in the case of the former and decreased levels in the case of the latter. It is also known as the hormone of darkness and is directly associated with daylight and evening darkness, influencing people’s waking and sleeping hours.

Spring asthenia 

Spring asthenia is one of the most serious forms of this syndrome, being associated with depression and persistent fatigue, its main symptom. This can make affected individuals feel like they cannot regain their energy.

Spring asthenia can manifest as dizziness, general weakness, and insomnia, and these symptoms can trigger depression, making it one of the most serious forms of this syndrome.

Spring asthenia is one of the most studied forms, as many feel tired at the beginning of the warm season, and climate changes have contributed to the emergence of “global asthenia.”

How does spring asthenia manifest? Among its symptoms can be found:

• states of physical and mental exhaustion;
• lack of appetite;
• muscle pain, from which the term muscle asthenia originates, especially when these states cannot be justified;
• headaches;
• insomnia;
• weight gain or loss without obvious changes in diet;
• apathy.

Also, during this period, women can suffer from so-called sexual asthenia.

Sexual asthenia is associated with a loss of sexual desire, especially among women, because as seasons change, they feel weakened and tired. Additionally, reduced serotonin secretion can be one of the causes that can make them feel less happy, anxious, and even depressed.

To combat spring asthenia, foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D can be consumed, or supplements can be taken. Vitamin A supports the ocular and skeletal systems, while vitamins C and D are known for their role in the proper functioning of the immune system.

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Autumn asthenia 

Autumn asthenia is quite similar to spring asthenia, only that in this case, the lack of natural light often triggers its onset. Sun exposure has beneficial effects on the body, such as the natural secretion of melatonin and serotonin. The former hormone regulates the human circadian rhythm, while the latter is a neurotransmitter responsible for the well-being of the nervous system. Therefore, neurovegetative, nervous, or even anxious asthenia may occur during this period.

Autumn asthenia involves a lack of interest in physical activities, irritability, concentration problems, headaches, low libido, and, in some cases, an increased need for sleep.

Lately, many people complain of pronounced fatigue in the summer as well, especially due to rising global temperatures.

Summer asthenia 

Until recently, the most well-known types of asthenia were spring and autumn asthenia, as the most significant climatic changes occurred then – the transition from cold to hot and vice versa. Currently, summers, especially in Romania, come with suffocating temperatures, which can cause anxiety, a feeling of suffocation, chronic fatigue or lethargy, and even frequent dizziness. All these manifestations are attributed to global warming, which affects the normal rhythm of life.

High temperatures predispose to a sedentary lifestyle as people try to conserve energy, but this behavior can sometimes be counterproductive. Therefore, it is very important to realize if you are suffering from summer asthenia to mitigate its effects.

Physical asthenia 

Physical asthenia has various ways of manifesting and, unfortunately, affects people of all age groups. In adults, the most common symptoms are:

• muscle pain and weakness;
• headaches and dizziness associated with spring, summer, and autumn asthenia;
• eye pain and fatigue.

In addition to adults, children can also suffer from various types of asthenia.

Asthenia in children can also manifest as:

• pronounced fatigue;
• mood changes;
• drowsiness;
• loss of appetite.

Why do children develop physical asthenia? Because all the changes in life rhythm also affect them, especially since they are more sensitive to cold and heat than adults. In addition to these physical symptoms, emotional ones are equally important and must be treated with care. Moreover, dietary imbalances can lead to asthenic states.

Asthenia is more common in younger children, who are affected more quickly by seasonal changes than older ones. Foods rich in vitamins B and C can aid metabolism, the nervous system, and immunity.

Neuropsychic asthenia 

Since asthenia can significantly affect an individual’s life, its neurological and psychological aspects are essential, given that the syndrome can appear in various forms.

Recent studies have shown that young people and children can also suffer from various disorders associated with asthenia, including:

• sudden mood swings;
• irritability;
• sadness for which no explanation can be found;
• confusion;
• difficulty concentrating;
• lack of quality sleep, insomnia, or even the need to sleep more.

All these are disruptive factors for a healthy lifestyle and a mind that functions within normal parameters, so asthenia can lead to depression. What can you do in this case? First, a set of tests to rule out certain illnesses with similar symptoms. Second, you can take steps and create a care plan to help you get through these periods. 

It may involve changing the diet to foods rich in vitamins and essential nutrients for the nervous and immune systems, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle, including sports activities or light exercise. All of this can be planned after a general medical consultation to assess your health status.

Asthenia – remedies for this syndrome 

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Consult a specialist doctor to obtain medications for asthenia, prescribed according to your symptoms and other associated conditions.

If you opt for natural remedies for asthenia and you are healthy, you have various solutions and products at your disposal to feel better.

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What can you do to combat asthenia? Exercise, such as walks or favorite sports, is an effective remedy for asthenia, helping you feel better. Then, a balanced diet will help you feel good, complementing physical activity. In addition to all this, you can also resort to:

• vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins that you can consume in the form of drinks such as natural aronia juice in 3 L, for the whole family, especially since aronia is known for its antioxidant properties;
• another option is organic aronia and sea buckthorn juice in 3 L, especially since sea buckthorn is known to be rich in vitamin C and helps stimulate the immune system, especially in cases of autumn asthenia;
• forest fruits can also be consumed as is, as a healthy dessert;
• for vegetables, always opt for seasonal varieties to benefit from all nutrients.

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These remedies are healthy alternatives for both children’s and adults’ asthenia. However, if you work in a stressful environment, natural antistress capsules are helpful for anxiety and neurovegetative asthenia. Because one of the symptoms often encountered in this syndrome is muscle pain, Magnesium Bisglycinate tablets are known for their beneficial effects on the muscular system.

What other remedies can you use to combat asthenia? It is necessary to take care of your mental health during this period, not to neglect the time spent with loved ones, even if it is not strictly related to nutrition.

Asthenia, being a condition with both physical and psychological effects, has multiple types, and its main symptom is pronounced fatigue. In recent years, asthenia has affected more and more people, caused by internal factors such as sedentary lifestyle and various diseases, but also by external factors, the most dangerous being global warming.

Effective remedies include consuming fruits and vegetables, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.

 References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20529781/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35611896/

https://europepmc.org/article/med/20529781

https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicîne/Abstract/2001/11000/Asthenia_Does_It_Exist_în_Space_.4.aspx