väsyminen

Väsyminen is the Finnish term for fatigue, a subjective sense of tiredness, low energy, and reduced motivation that is not simply sleepiness. It can be a normal response to exertion or stress, but when persistent it may signal a health problem. Väsyminen may be physical, mental, or both, and often worsens with illness or poor sleep.

Common causes include insufficient or poor-quality sleep, stress, and heavy physical or mental activity. Medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, infections, kidney or liver disease, and some medications can contribute. Mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety, are also linked. A minority of cases stem from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a lasting fatigue with post-exertional malaise and cognitive symptoms.

Symptoms vary but typically include prolonged tiredness, low energy, slower thinking, trouble concentrating, headaches, muscle pain, and diminished daily functioning. Because many conditions share symptoms, evaluation by a clinician is advised if fatigue lasts more than several weeks or markedly affects life. Diagnosis relies on history, exam, and selective tests to identify treatable causes.

Management aims to treat underlying conditions and improve sleep, activity, and coping. Strategies include good sleep hygiene, regular moderate exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and, when appropriate, cognitive behavioral therapy. Some symptoms may be helped by targeted treatments (e.g., iron for anemia, thyroid therapy for hypothyroidism). Prognosis varies; some recover, others experience persistent fatigue.

See also: fatigue, sleep disorders, anemia, thyroid disease, ME/CFS.