Fatigue

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a feeling of being tired, weak, or worn out. Your child may lack energy or feel exhausted, even after getting enough sleep.

Fatigue is a common side effect of illness and treatments. For some patients, fatigue continues even after illness or treatment ends.

Fatigue can make it hard for your child to do daily activities. It can also impact their physical and emotional health and quality of life. If your child has ongoing fatigue, talk to your care team. They can help you make a plan to manage your child’s fatigue.

Symptoms of fatigue

Fatigue affects each child differently. Signs and symptoms of fatigue in children include:

• Acting tired even after rest
• Avoiding play and other activities
• Saying they are too tired to think or do other things
• Wanting more sleep or taking more naps
• Irritability, crying, or getting upset more often than usual
• Wanting to be left alone
• Not having energy to do daily tasks 

Causes of fatigue

Fatigue in children can have different causes. These include:

• Medical conditions or health problems
• Medicine or treatment side effects
• Not getting enough sleep or poor sleep quality
• Stress, anxiety, or depression
• Poor nutrition
• Dehydration

You may want to ask your care team for help to figure out what is causing your child’s fatigue.

The care team may ask questions about:

• When the fatigue started
• How long it lasts
• How it affects daily activities
• What makes the fatigue better or worse

Ways to help your child manage fatigue

Feeling tired is common during an illness or hospital stay. But there are things you can do to help your child cope and have as much energy as possible.

Keep a record of fatigue 

Write down how much energy they have at different times of the day. Note what makes fatigue better or worse. You may start to notice a pattern in your child’s fatigue. You might also notice that some activities give your child energy.

Encourage healthy eating 

It is normal for your child’s appetite to change during illness or treatment. But good nutrition gives their body the fuel it needs. It may help to eat smaller meals or snacks more often through the day to help your child maintain energy. Be sure your child drinks enough fluids to prevent dehydration. A dietitian can help you plan healthy meals and snacks to reduce fatigue.

Plan ahead

Plan your child’s day ahead of time so you can plan activities and breaks. Notice the days and times when your child has the most energy. You might be able to help your child plan activities that need more energy or focus during those times.

Prioritize important activities

If your child has trouble doing daily activities, help your child decide which activities are most important and do those first or when your child has the most energy. If your child is too young to decide, you choose. Make sure plans and goals are realistic. This will help your child be able to do the things that are most meaningful to them.

Take breaks

Have your child take rest breaks before they get too tired. Also, help your child find ways to save energy. For example, you can have your child sit down during activities or tasks when possible. You might use a wheelchair for long trips or activities if needed.

Change the focus 

Find ways to help your child get their mind off fatigue without draining energy. This might include spending time with family or friends, listening to music, watching movies, reading, and playing.

Get light during the day

Exposure to sunlight and bright light in the daytime helps set a good sleep/wake rhythm. Increase your child’s exposure to natural light, especially in the morning. Limit bright light at night. If your child is not able to get enough natural light, your care team may recommend light therapy. In light therapy, patients are exposed to a controlled light source for a set amount of time. 

Encourage healthy sleep habits

Sleeping better can help your child feel less tired. Tips for better sleep include:

• Create a routine so that your child goes to bed at the same time each night and wakes up at the same time each morning.
• Keep lights on and blinds open during the day, even in the hospital.
• Have your child avoid screen time while in bed. The bright lights and stimulation from video games or mobile devices can keep your child from falling asleep.

Get physical activity

You might think that physical activity would make your child more tired, but this is not true.
Exercise can help your child feel less tired, improve strength and endurance, decrease stress, and help them sleep better. Before starting physical activity, talk to your care team about what types of activity or how much exercise your child can do.

When to seek help for fatigue

Talk to your care team if your child has ongoing fatigue or if symptoms get worse. Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and lung problems. Fatigue can also be a symptom of infection, hormone imbalances, or anemia (low red blood cell counts).

Assessment of fatigue may include:

• A patient and family interview
• A review of medicines your child is taking
• Medical history
• A physical exam
• Blood tests
• A sleep and activity diary

If your child’s fatigue is due to a medical condition, treatment of the underlying cause may help your child’s fatigue.

Always talk to your care team if you have questions or concerns about symptoms and side effects.

Questions to ask the care team

• What are possible causes of my child’s fatigue?
• Is fatigue a side effect of any medicines my child is taking?
• How can I help my child manage fatigue?
• How much sleep does my child need?
• Are there lifestyle changes that can help with fatigue?
• What are some ways to help my child conserve energy?

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