Sports fatigue

Sports fatigue may be caused by chronic overtraining, long periods without planned recovery or rest, the wrong type of diet, lack of hydration and increased stress. Chronic overtraining symptoms are:

• tiredness
• altered sleep patterns
• reduced sporting performance
• longer recovery times
• feeling moody
• unusual heart rate at rest or during exercise
• more injuries than usual

Acute fatigue is where your body isn't conditioned enough and cannot cope with the exercise. You may experience cramping and sore muscles a few days after exercise, or you may simply 'hit a wall'. This is often the case with long distance running.

Your consultant will discuss your sports fatigue symptoms with you and help make a diagnosis. They may order tests to rule out any underlying issues, such as infections, anaemia and iron deficiency.

Heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea and thyroid problems may also be investigated. They will also ask about your training schedule, diet and rest patterns to determine the actual cause.

If you have an underlying health condition, you may be referred to a specialist for further treatment. Otherwise, your fatigue may be cause by over-training.

Your consultant will help you strike the right balance between training and recovery to improve the symptoms. You may also see a dietician, to make sure you're getting appropriate nutrition.