Lethargy is a state of tiredness, sleepiness, weariness, fatigue, sluggishness, or lack of energy. It can be accompanied by depression, decreased motivation, or apathy. 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 or medication(s) and alcohol. It may also be an altered level of consciousness.
When part of a normal response, lethargy often resolves with rest, adequate sleep, decreased stress, physical exercise, and good nutrition. Its symptoms, however, can last days or even months, so it can be a sign of a recent underlying illness or infection if it does not resolve normally.
See also
- Clinical depression
- Disorders of diminished motivation
- Encephalitis lethargica
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep deprivation
- Somnolence
References
- Tindall, Suzie C. (1990), Walker, H. Kenneth; Hall, W. Dallas; Hurst, J. Willis (eds.), "Level of Consciousness", 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
The dictionary definition of lethargy at Wiktionary
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