Managing Your Energy When You Have Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly experience fatigue — extreme lack of energy. If you have multiple sclerosis, you must keep a good supply of energy available. So try not to waste your energy and use these tips to help monitor and conserve it:

• Set priorities to ensure the best use of your daily energy supply.

• Make deposits (naps are great!) in addition to your withdrawals.

• Use your energy supply efficiently by doing the following:

  Using the right tools/mobility devices

  Making your home/work spaces accessible and convenient

  Asking for help when you need it

• Do the most difficult tasks when you have the most energy.

• Pace yourself instead of pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.

• Talk to your doctor about symptoms that disrupt your sleep.

• Stay cool — literally and figuratively.

• Review your medications with your doctor (some have sleepiness or fatigue as a side effect while others are prescribed to relieve it).