13. Sjögren’s Silent Symptom: The Overlooked Fatigue Factor
While dryness steals the limelight in conversations about Sjögren’s syndrome, fatigue remains a less talked about yet highly debilitating symptom. The fatigue experienced by those with Sjögren’s isn’t your typical weariness after a long day.
For many, it’s a profound exhaustion that doesn’t relent with rest. It pervades every aspect of life, from professional tasks to personal pursuits. Ordinary chores can become herculean, and activities once enjoyed might get sidelined. This isn’t mere laziness; it’s a physiological manifestation of the syndrome.
The origins of this fatigue are multifactorial. It’s not just the body’s response to chronic inflammation, but a complex interplay of various factors. Fluctuating hormone levels, disturbed sleep due to dryness symptoms, and even the psychological toll of living with a chronic condition play their parts.
Solutions to this symptom aren’t one-size-fits-all. While rest is important, so is maintaining a level of physical activity. Nutrition plays a significant role too, with some foods known to exacerbate fatigue, while others may alleviate it.(13)
