Feeling Drained Even After a Full Night’s Sleep? It May be a Sign of Burnout

Burnout syndrome is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by prolonged or repeated stress. Below are some ways the body can manifest burnout syndrome.

Burnout is more than just a buzzword – it’s a serious illness that can affect your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It often comes on gradually, making it difficult to recognise until it reaches a critical point. Whether you’re juggling work, personal responsibilities or both, it’s crucial to be on the lookout for the signs. By identifying these warning signs, you can take proactive steps to protect your overall health. Here are five key signs of burnout that you shouldn’t ignore.

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Signs and symptoms of burnout syndrome

1. Constant fatigue despite rest: Do you wake up feeling as exhausted as when you went to sleep? Chronic fatigue is a major indicator of burnout. Even after getting enough sleep, your body struggles to recover, leaving you exhausted and unable to concentrate.
2. Frequent headaches or muscle aches: Stress-related physical symptoms such as tension headaches, back pain, or muscle stiffness can be signs of burnout. These aches and pains are often due to the buildup of stress in the body over time, which makes you feel physically exhausted.
3. Frequent illnesses: Increased susceptibility to colds, infections, or other illnesses can be a sign of exhaustion. Your immune system may be weakened due to prolonged stress and exhaustion.
4. Lack of motivation or feeling disconnected: Burnout often leaves you feeling mentally and emotionally disconnected. You may feel unmotivated, like you’re going through things out of the blue without any sense of satisfaction. Tasks you once found exciting may seem overwhelming or pointless.
5. Sleep problems: Insomnia or restless sleep can occur when you are mentally overwhelmed. Whether you have difficulty falling asleep or wake up multiple times during the night, exhaustion can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you in a cycle of exhaustion.