Lethargy
Lethargy is a state of physical or mental weariness, fatigue, sluggishness, or lack of energy. It can be accompanied by depression, decreased motivation, or apathy, but can also present with having a desire, but not the energy to initiate or perform tasks.[1] Lethargy can be a normal response to inadequate sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise, improper nutrition, drug abuse, boredom, or a symptom of an underlying illness or disorder. It may also be a side effect of medication or caused by an interaction between medications and alcohol. It may also be an altered level of consciousness.[2]
When part of a normal response, lethargy often resolves with rest, adequate sleep, decreased stress, physical exercise, and good nutrition.[3] Its symptoms, however, can last days or even months,[4] so it can be a sign of a recent underlying illness or infection if it does not resolve normally.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Lethargy (Concept Id: C0023380) - MedGen - NCBI". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- ↑ Tindall, Suzie C. (1990), "Level of Consciousness", in Walker, H. Kenneth; Hall, W. Dallas; Hurst, J. Willis (eds.), Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.), Boston: Butterworths, ISBN 978-0-409-90077-4, PMID 21250221, retrieved 2022-03-26
- ↑ Hall J. E., Guyton A. C. (2006): Textbook of medical physiology, 11th edition. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, Mo, ISBN 0-7216-0240-1.
- ↑ "Chronic fatigue syndrome - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
External links
[edit]
The dictionary definition of lethargy at Wiktionary
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