8 Steps to Manage Fatigue from Vestibular Disorders

Fatigue is more than just being tired — it’s a constant lack of energy, mental fog, and reduced ability to take on daily activities. For people with dizziness or vestibular disorders, fatigue is one of the most common and exhausting symptoms. But there’s hope: by understanding your triggers and using the right tools, you can regain control and feel more energized.

Here are 8 steps to help you manage fatigue:

1. Understand Fatigue

Fatigue can show up as low endurance, mental fog, or feeling generally unwell. With vestibular issues, your brain is working overtime to make sense of conflicting signals from your balance system, which drains your energy.

2. Create a Forward-Thinking Mindset

Shift your language from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet.” Practicing self-compassion and focusing on progress instead of loss can make a big difference.

3. Know Your Triggers

Keep a short journal for a few weeks. Note when fatigue is worse and what activities, environments, or emotions seem to make it flare. Common triggers include poor sleep, stress, busy environments (like grocery stores), or long computer use.

4. Modify What You Can

Once you identify triggers, control what’s possible. Examples:

• Drink more water to avoid dehydration

• Improve sleep habits (consistent schedule, limit screens before bed)

• Spread chores throughout the week instead of all in one day

  
  

5. Manage Movement & Visual Triggers

For many, certain movements or visual environments (like crowded rooms or fast-moving patterns) worsen fatigue. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can train your brain to adapt and reduce energy drain.

6. Plan & Pace Yourself

Plan your week with recovery breaks built in. A strategy called “graded exposure” — slowly increasing your tolerance for activities — can help you do more over time without crashing.

7. Communicate with Others

Let friends and family know how fatigue affects you. Educating them helps reduce feelings of guilt or misunderstanding, and builds the support you need.

8. Explore Other Helpful Strategies

• Mindfulness or breathing exercises

• Gentle exercise or yoga

• Massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture

• Supplements (with your doctor’s guidance)

Conclusion:Fatigue may feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and support, you can learn to manage it and live with more energy.

👉 If fatigue is interfering with your daily life, book an appointment with our team — we’ll help you identify your triggers, build resilience, and get you back to feeling your best.

To learn more - please check out the full PDF article here