PEPS is an acronym that stands for Post-Exertional Malaise, Persistent Fatigue, and Sleep Disturbance. It is a term used in the medical field to describe a set of symptoms commonly associated with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
Post-Exertional Malaise refers to the worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion. In individuals experiencing PEPS, even mild activity may result in prolonged and disproportionate fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that can last for days or even weeks.
Persistent Fatigue refers to an ongoing feeling of exhaustion, even after sufficient rest and sleep. This fatigue is not relieved by resting and can severely impact a person's ability to carry out daily activities and participate in social or work-related obligations.
Sleep Disturbance refers to disruptions in the normal sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restorative sleep. People with PEPS often report unrefreshing sleep, waking up feeling tired, or feeling excessively sleepy during the day.
Together, these symptoms characterize the condition known as PEPS, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize and understand PEPS in order to appropriately diagnose and manage the underlying conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand the causes and effective treatments for PEPS and its associated disorders.
