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• Mohammed Al Sheikh

I began my journey with MedLabs in 1993 with Dr. Hassib who shared with us his great ambitions and assured us we would grow to become a leading medical laboratories company one day. My experience of witnessing MedLabs grow from its humble beginnings as a struggling ‘group practice’, going against the trend of the one-man-show business model that prevailed at the time, was unique. The fact that a group of laboratory consultants and specialists from different fields of laboratory medicine were willing to work together and cooperate to become a unified, systematized institution is something that deserves to be celebrated. I consider myself lucky to have worked with the founders of MedLabs from the start and to still be with MedLabs as a partner. Although I worked hard on myself, MedLabs through its’ commitment to continuous education and guidance to find my inner and outer callings, helped me live out my ambitions and become who I am today

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Do you always feel drowsy and sluggish, even after a long sleep? Does it affect your productivity and focus throughout the day? Contrary to popular belief, lethargy is not a personality trait that signifies laziness; rather, it could indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention! There are numerous reasons why an individual might experience persistent fatigue—it could even be a symptom of an undiagnosed medical condition that necessitates proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. This variety of possible causes makes fatigue somewhat challenging to diagnose and treat. However, its significant impact on productivity, mental health, and even social life demands prompt identification and resolution. So, what are the causes of constant drowsiness and fatigue? And how can you regain your energy? Keep reading to discover practical solutions.

What Is Lethargy? 

“Despite a full night’s sleep, you wake up feeling completely drained, as if you never rested. That first cup of coffee doesn’t help, and throughout the day, fatigue lingers.” This is how people suffering from persistent lethargy and sluggishness describe their experience.

The term lethargy refers to a constant feeling of tiredness and drowsiness, especially when a person would normally be alert. Many individuals are alarmed when they notice that they continue to feel exhausted even after getting adequate sleep, as if they have not rested at all.

What Are the Symptoms of Lethargy?

Although lethargy is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it often leads to several other issues. People experiencing fatigue may suffer from memory weakness, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slow response to surrounding events, and impaired reaction time.

What Are the Causes of Lethargy?

Did you know that millions of people worldwide suffer from persistent drowsiness and fatigue without knowing the real cause? The reasons behind constant fatigue vary—some are minor and easily adjustable, while others may require medical treatment and a personalized care plan tailored to the individual’s condition. The causes of constant drowsiness include:

• Personal Lifestyle

Unfortunately, prolonged sitting has become a significant part of our daily routine, especially with long working hours. The situation worsens for those who work night shifts, as their physical activity levels and natural sleep cycles are disrupted. All these factors can lead to persistent fatigue and drowsiness. However, this issue can often be resolved on its own by adopting a structured, healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity or by allowing the body to adapt to the new routine.

• Mental Health

Experiencing psychological stress can affect an individual’s ability to achieve deep sleep, leading to insufficient rest and, consequently, fatigue and exhaustion. This is particularly evident in individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a mental health professional to discuss these concerns and learn effective coping strategies for life’s challenges.

• Certain Medical Conditions

Some illnesses can contribute to persistent fatigue, particularly those that affect the body’s metabolic processes, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. These conditions interfere with the body’s ability to produce the energy needed for daily activities, leading to chronic exhaustion and fatigue. This type of fatigue does not improve unless the underlying condition is treated and the appropriate medications are taken.

• Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamins are essential compounds in the body that play a crucial role in metabolic processes and overall physiological functions. Vitamin deficiencies are among the most common causes of constant drowsiness and fatigue. Most importantly, deficiencies in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium can significantly impact metabolism, energy production, and oxygen transport. Therefore, any imbalance in these essential nutrients can lead to constant fatigue. The best approach is to undergo laboratory tests to assess vitamin levels and take appropriate supplements under medical supervision.

What Is the Appropriate Treatment of Lethargy?

As previously mentioned, Lethargy is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. Therefore, treating fatigue requires addressing its root cause. In most cases, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity, along with adhering to prescribed treatments and medications when necessary, is the key to overcoming persistent exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

Based on the above, while occasional fatigue may be a temporary issue that resolves with a few hours of deep sleep, persistent exhaustion and chronic fatigue are not normal and could indicate an underlying health concern that needs attention. Don’t ignore the signs—consult a doctor, undergo the necessary medical tests, and take proactive steps to ensure your well-being.

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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in many vital functions and is essential for overall health. Recent studies also highlight that vitamin D deficiency is a contributing factor to various immune diseases. However, despite being commonly referred to as a “vitamin,” it is actually a hormone produced when exposed to sunlight, particularly early in the morning.

The body obtains Vitamin D from several sources, primarily sunlight exposure, as well as certain foods and dietary supplements. And a deficiency in this vitamin can cause various health issues, particularly in children. Therefore, it is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods to ensure healthy and proper growth. In this article, we will shed light on these aspects and provide insights to help keep your children in good health.

Benefits of Vitamin D for Children

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins in the human body, playing a key role in various vital functions. These include:

• Aiding in the absorption of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bone and teeth growth.
• Protecting children from spinal and leg deformities.
• Preventing bone diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia.
• Boosting the child’s immune system against various illnesses.
• Reducing the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Normal Vitamin D Levels for Children

Experts generally recommend maintaining levels between 20 and 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), while some suggest a range of 30 to 50 ng/mL. When conducting a Vitamin D test in any laboratory, you will notice that the values are categorized as follows:

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Unfortunately, Vitamin D deficiency has become common among both children and adults. This can be attributed to the following reasons:

• Exclusive reliance on breastfeeding.
• Limited exposure to sunlight, especially in the morning.
• An unbalanced diet.
• Liver or kidney diseases that prevent the body from properly processing Vitamin D.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Although most cases may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, some children may experience the following:

• Muscle and bone pain
• Tingling sensation in the limbs
• Muscle tremors
• A history of frequent bone fractures
• Bowed legs in severe deficiency cases

Recommended Vitamin D Dosages for Children

In most cases, adequate sun exposure can be the key solution to get appropriate amounts of Vit D. Additionally, consuming a varied and healthy diet rich in Vitamin D—such as fish, red meat, fortified milk, egg yolk, and other sources—is the primary strategy for maintaining sufficient levels. However, this approach may not be suitable for infants who rely exclusively on breastfeeding or for children with severe deficiencies that cannot be corrected through diet alone.

In such cases, doctors may recommend Vitamin D supplements in specific doses depending on the child’s condition and age. Experts agree that the appropriate daily intake of Vitamin D is 400 IU for infants from birth to 12 months and 600 IU for children aged one year and older.

Remember to consult a doctor before opting for supplements, as they will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the optimal dosage of the supplement needed to treat the case. This is necessary as excessive intake of these supplements without medical supervision may lead to dangerously high levels of Vitamin D, causing toxicity.

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Vitamins, in general, are essential nutrients that enable the body to function properly and maintain overall health. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various issues, most of which are minor and can be resolved by increasing vitamin intake through diet and supplements. However, some deficiencies can be more severe and long-lasting; for example, a severe Vitamin D deficiency may result in permanent bone deformities.

To maintain overall health, it is essential to follow a balanced diet, stay active, and get adequate sun exposure.