Lupus patients can't hide from fatigue? Wait, why not try these 4 methods!

First, relieving fatigue is equal to adequate rest?

Getting enough sleep is a common way
to relieve fatigue.
And the more you sleep for a long time, the more tired it is likely to be a signal
of body fatigue.
Fatigue is one of the clinical complaints of SLE, mainly manifested as physical weakness, mental fatigue, inattention, and decreased
motivation.

Studies have shown that about 80% of SLE patients experience symptoms of fatigue during disease activity, and even when the condition is relieved, 90% of patients are still affected by fatigue [1].

Fatigue in ordinary people is usually caused by lack of sleep, while SLE patients are not the same fatigue, it involves a series of pathological complex reactions, manifested as extreme fatigue and exhaustion, can not be completely relieved by simply rest or sleep [2].

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At the same time, fatigue in SLE patients is fluctuating
.
Studies have shown that fatigue levels are usually decreased in SLE patients one hour after waking up and gradually increased over the course of a day [3].

However, the mechanism by which this fluctuation occurs cannot yet be fully elucidated
.
Relevant studies have shown that the factors affecting the degree of fatigue in SLE patients include individual differences, decreased complement C3 levels, sleep disorders, pain, and mental state
.

This reminds us that SLE patients who want to relieve fatigue must first have a clear understanding of their own situation, and then actively intervene according to their personal situation, rather than simply by extending sleep time
.

Second, how to tell if you are in a state of fatigue?

There are many types of clinical scales for fatigue, such as the Fatigue Degree Scale (FSS), the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFI-20), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Disease Treatment - Fatigue Evaluation Scale (FACIT-F) [4].

Among them, FSS is the most recommended scale for assessing fatigue status in patients with SLE [5].

Mutual Aid Jun has prepared an FSS scale for everyone, butterfly friends may wish to try to assess their state to see if they are tired
.

Test method: Write down your scores in the score column in turn, and add
the total scores.

Have you tested them all?

If your total score is less than 36 points, it means that you are not in a state of fatigue, do not worry too much, if your score is equal to or higher than 36 points, it indicates that you may be in a state of fatigue, and it is recommended that you review in time to see if the disease fluctuates and may need to adjust your medication
.
At the same time, we have prepared some tips for you to relieve fatigue below!

Third, do these 4 points well to easily relieve fatigue

(1) Moderate exercise:

Exercise is a reasonable strategy to relieve fatigue, which can effectively improve the body's aerobic metabolism capacity and body perception function, and reduce fatigue symptoms [6].

Tired butterfly friends can choose the right exercise according to their needs, and the recommended sports are running, power cycling, swimming, walking, strength training, elastic band exercises, and weight-bearing resistance exercises
.

However, Mutual Aid Jun reminds everyone that we must pay attention to the appropriate amount of exercise, otherwise excessive exercise intensity will bring burden to the body, but will aggravate fatigue, the general exercise time is controlled within 30~60min, to sweat a little
.

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(2) Reasonable diet:

Studies have pointed out that SLE patients with a high BMI index [calculation formula: weight (kg)/height squared (m2)] are more likely to feel fatigue, so controlling BMI index can also effectively relieve fatigue [7].

The normal range of BMI is 18.
5-24.
9kg/m2
.
It is recommended that the diet of SLE patients with overweight BMI should follow the principles of
low salt, low sugar, and low calories.
You can drink more milk, eat more soy products, chicken, lean meat, fish and other protein-rich substances [8].

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(3) Sleep intervention:

Good sleep can effectively relieve patient fatigue, improve the immune function
of various systems and the body.
Foreign studies define residents aged 18 and over as sleep less than 7 hours a day as sleep deprivation, and sleep time above 9 hours a day as hypersomnia [9].

The ideal sleep time for adults is 7~8 hours
.
Therefore, butterfly friends can set an alarm clock before going to sleep to ensure the right sleep time
.

Sleep environment should pay attention to avoid external disturbances, light and noise
.
If butterfly friends have sleep disorders, they can follow the doctor's advice to choose appropriate sedatives to help them fall asleep, in addition, soaking their feet before going to bed, drinking milk, and yoga exercises can also help improve sleep quality
.

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(4) Adjust your mentality:

There is a strong pronouncement
between mentality and fatigue.
In addition to helping SLE patients relieve fatigue, a positive and healthy state of mind can also speed up the recovery
of the disease.
Therefore, butterfly friends should maintain a good and healthy attitude in daily life and actively carry out treatment
.

If you are in a state of depression, anxiety, and fear for a long time, you can find a professional psychologist for intervention
.
In addition, butterfly friends can usually participate in more online patient exchange activities, share experience and experience in disease treatment, so as to gain a sense of spiritual identity and belonging, you need to join the butterfly friends exchange group, you can scan the QR code below!

Summary:

Patients with SLE generally have symptoms of
fatigue due to pathological changes in the body.
It is a misconception that adequate rest is equal to relieving fatigue, and simply extending sleep time will not solve the problem of
fatigue.
The combination of moderate exercise, reasonable diet, sleep intervention, and mental adjustment can effectively help SLE patients relieve fatigue, control their condition, and improve their quality of life
.