Lupus and fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of lupus. It can sometimes be severe and have repercussions on daily, professional, family and social life.

It is not always simply fatigue after exertion: in some people, it can persist despite rest or their

to give the impression of having less energy to perform usual activities.

Fatigue can have several causes.

In a person with lupus, fatigue can be linked to various factors.

It can accompany a period of disease flare-up, but it can also have other causes: sleep disorders, pain, infection, anemia, side effects of certain treatments or other health problems.

Any new, persistent or significantly greater fatigue than usual should therefore be reported to the doctor in order to investigate the cause.

Learning to manage your energy

When fatigue is significant, it can be helpful to temporarily adjust one's pace and organize activities taking into account one's abilities.

Distributing tasks, scheduling recovery time and avoiding accumulating the most demanding activities at the same time can help to better manage daily life.

The goal is not necessarily to eliminate all activity, but to find a balance between activity and recovery.

Maintain appropriate physical activity

Apart from situations where the state of health requires rest or special adaptation, regular and appropriate physical activity should be encouraged and can contribute to maintaining physical fitness and well-being.

Walking, swimming, cycling or other activities can be considered depending on each person's abilities and state of health.

The return to activity should be gradual, particularly after a period of inactivity or a flare-up of the illness. If in doubt, the activity can be discussed with a doctor.

Preserving your sleep

A good night's sleep contributes to recovery and prevents fatigue.

Regular schedules, a sleep-friendly environment, and the identification and management of any sleep disorders can contribute to improved recovery.

When sleep difficulties persist, it is helpful to talk to a healthcare professional.

When should I talk to my doctor about it?

Persistent fatigue should not automatically be considered a normal consequence of lupus.

It is important to discuss this with your doctor when she:

• appears suddenly or worsens significantly;

• persists despite rest;

• severely disrupts daily activities;

• accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, unusual pains, weight loss or other new symptoms.

The doctor may look for possible lupus activity but also for another cause that could explain this fatigue.

Key points to remember

Fatigue is common in lupus, but its origin can be multiple.

Learning to manage your energy, maintaining appropriate physical activity when possible, and preserving your sleep can help on a daily basis.

Unusual, persistent or worsening fatigue should be assessed to identify the cause and adapt the treatment accordingly.

This information sheet is for general information purposes only. It does not replace a consultation or personalized medical advice for diagnosis and follow-up.

Sources: PNDS Systemic Lupus of Adults and Children (2024) — Reference Centers / RAISE / FAI²R Network; Health Insurance (files Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Asthenia).

Content reviewed and validated by Professor Saïd Norou DIOP, specialist in Internal Medicine, medical advisor for TAHIRAH CARE.