Some people with myasthenia gravis only experience ocular (eye) symptoms. However, most have gMG, which causes more generalized muscle weakness throughout the body.¹

People who have gMG experience generalized weakness in muscles throughout the body.¹ In one study, researchers asked 28 people with gMG which symptoms they experienced and which ones bothered them most. According to the results related to fatigue symptoms²:

• 89 percent reported experiencing physical fatigue
• 46 percent reported mental fatigue
• 36 percent listed all-over fatigue as one of the MG symptoms that bothered them most

If fatigue with gMG affects your quality of life, you can take steps to try to conserve and improve your energy.

1. Schedule Activities for When You Have More Energy

Fatigue and other symptoms can vary and may get worse or better day to day or even over the course of a day. You may feel strongest in the morning and weakest in the evening or after exercise.³ Take advantage of the times when you have more energy, and try to get things done then.

If it’s very hot or very cold outside, consider timing activities to avoid extreme temperatures. In these weather conditions, the body is forced to use more energy.⁴

2. Focus on Organization and Convenience

Organize your home and other workspaces to use less energy. Items you use frequently should be kept within easy reach so that you don’t have to lift or reach. Have multiples of things you commonly need, such as pens or tissues, so that you don’t have to go back and forth between different areas.⁴

3. Do More Tasks Seated

Standing uses more energy than sitting, and many tasks can be done seated. Washing dishes, getting dressed, gardening, and even bathing can be done while sitting down. Consider placing stools or benches in areas where you do daily tasks so that you can give your legs a break.⁴

4. Get Better Sleep

A Danish study involving 779 people with myasthenia gravis looked at factors related to fatigue. Out of 779 people with MG, 50 percent reported levels of fatigue that were more severe. The study showed that poor sleep quality strongly influences increasing fatigue.⁵

If you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep, or if you still feel tired after a full night’s sleep, speak to your healthcare provider.

You can also practice sleep hygiene to improve your chances for better rest. Some of the basic tips for good sleep hygiene include⁶:

• Avoiding drinking caffeinated beverages after noon
• Turning off TVs, phones, and tablets at least 30 minutes before you go to bed
• Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day

5. Ask Your Doctor About Being More Physically Active

The results of small studies on exercise in people with MG indicate that getting more physical activity may help reduce fatigue.⁷

Before making any changes to your current regimen of physical activity, speak with your healthcare provider about ways to keep exercise safe.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

People with a chronic disease may have a higher risk of developing depression. Fatigue can be associated with symptoms of depression.⁸ Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns related to mental health.

7. Discuss Symptoms With Your Myasthenia Gravis Specialist

Discuss your gMG symptoms and treatment goals with your MG specialist. Together, you can decide on the treatment that best suits your needs.

Read more about new MG treatment options here.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MGteam is the social network for people with myasthenia gravis and their loved ones. On MGteam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with generalized myasthenia gravis.

Have you talked to your doctor about new treatments for your generalized MG? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

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