When such a feeling is a normal reaction of the body, and when it may already signal health problems, family doctor Diana Akulova tells in the press release of Vilnius family clinic “Meliva”.
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The body needs time to reorient
During holidays, sleep patterns, daily routines, eating habits, and physical activity levels often change. When traveling to distant countries, the body is additionally affected by time zone changes, so in the first days after returning, energy may be even less than before the holidays.
“Returning to work and daily duties can itself cause psychological tension, so in the first days a person may feel less energetic, irritable, emotionally sensitive. Usually, the body adapts to the usual rhythm within a few days, and after longer trips and time zone changes, adaptation may take one or two weeks,” says the family doctor.
If the feeling gradually improves, sleep patterns are restored, energy and productivity return, there is usually no reason to worry.
Returning to routine is best done gradually
The family doctor says that if fatigue is only related to returning from vacation, it is important to give the body time to adjust. To avoid additional stress, it is useful to return home at least a few days before you need to start working after a trip. This helps restore the sleep pattern and calmly return to the usual daily routine.
“One of the most common mistakes is trying to overcome fatigue by further burdening the body: drinking a lot of coffee or energy drinks, sleeping less, and ignoring symptoms. Also, vitamins or dietary supplements should not be taken independently without being sure that the body really lacks them. In the first days, it is best to pay more attention to regular sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, as well as not to overload the schedule with meetings or additional commitments,” shares D. Akulova.
Short-term fatigue after holidays usually passes after restoring the usual routine, but if rest does not restore strength and lack of energy persists, it is important not to suppress symptoms with stimulants but to find out the cause.
When should you see a doctor?
You should consult a family doctor if fatigue does not go away for more than two weeks, worsens, or interferes with work, study, and performing usual daily tasks.
“It is advisable to seek urgent help when unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or shortness of breath occur together. It is also better not to delay a visit if chest pain appears, lymph nodes enlarge, or other new symptoms occur. In such cases, it is important to find out the cause of the ailments as soon as possible,” emphasizes D. Akulova.
Tests are selected individually for each patient, taking into account their complaints, medical history, and risk factors. Usually, it starts with a complete blood count, ferritin, C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glucose, kidney and liver function indicators, and thyroid-stimulating hormone test. If indicated, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels may also be tested or other additional tests performed.
Fatigue can hide serious health problems
Fatigue is one of the most nonspecific symptoms, so there can be many causes. It can be caused by lack of sleep, prolonged stress, and emotional exhaustion, but sometimes lack of energy may be related to impaired body function or chronic diseases.
“The most common causes of prolonged fatigue are iron deficiency anemia, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, chronic stress, sleep or anxiety disorders. Fatigue can also be related to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, persist after viral infections, or accompany chronic heart, lung, and kidney diseases,” says family doctor D. Akulova.
According to her, prolonged fatigue can be caused not only by physical health problems but also by emotional state. Prolonged stress, anxiety, or professional burnout often disrupt sleep, reduce productivity, and prevent recovery even during holidays. In such cases, it is important not only to rest more but also to assess daily workload, sleep quality, and emotional well-being.
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