Everyone feels tired at some point. The signs of physical fatigue are often easy to recognize. Slower movements, heavy eyes, achy muscles, and even frequent yawning are some telltale signs that a body is tired. But what about mental fatigue? 

WebMD notes that mental fatigue affects the mind instead of the muscles. That can make mental fatigue difficult to spot. But identifying the presence of mental fatigue is important, as untreated mental fatigue can affect decision-making and performance at work and in the classroom. Anyone can develop mental fatigue, but those who find themselves frequently overwhelmed by work, school, or personal obligations may be particularly vulnerable. Recognizing the following signs of mental fatigue may prompt those experiencing such exhaustion to take a break and seek help.
 

  • Mood changes. People experiencing mental fatigue may go through mood shifts that are uncharacteristic for them. Signs include increased irritability, a shorter temper, less patience for others, and more frequent snapping at people, all of which suggest mental fatigue.
  • Loss of productivity. A noticeable decline in productivity is another sign of mental fatigue. WebMD states that loss of productivity from mental fatigue occurs because tiredness impairs a person’s ability to concentrate. Mental fatigue can also sap a person’s motivation. Distractions become harder to ignore when mental fatigue sets in, further reducing productivity.
  • Instances of zoning out. Mental fatigue can impair a person’s ability to concentrate on what they are doing. This feeling of zoning out can be especially dangerous, as it can occur even while driving. In fact, WebMD notes a link between mental fatigue and car accidents.  
  • Inability to sleep. It may seem counterintuitive that mental fatigue would make it hard to sleep, but it can. People with mental fatigue might struggle to wind down and stop thinking about work- or school-related tasks at bedtime. That can trigger insomnia. One danger of this side effect is that a lack of sleep can worsen feelings of exhaustion.
  • Increased anxiety. WebMD notes that mental fatigue activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause feelings of anxiety and panic. These feelings may be constant.
  • Physical side effects. Some people find it harder to exercise when their minds are fatigued. A 2017 study in the journal Sports Medicine found that the duration and intensity of a physical task are key factors in assessing how mental fatigue affects physical performance. Researchers identified a shorter time to physical exhaustion and a subsequent decline in endurance performance as side effects of mental fatigue. 

Mental fatigue can take a serious toll. Anyone who suspects they are suffering from mental fatigue is urged to contact a healthcare provider.