A holistic perspective on fatigue management through occupational therapy

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) study found that 35 million Americans experience daily fatigue; of those individuals, 4.3 million have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This condition leads to major financial losses, with direct costs (e.g., medical expenses) and indirect costs (e.g., lost productivity, accidents) ranging from $18 billion to $51 billion annually. Despite its substantial effect on health and the national economy, fatigue is often underestimated. Thus, it is critical to deepen our understanding of fatigue and make positive changes to improve our health and well-being, empowering us to take control of our lives and optimize our occupational self.