What are the main signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by severe fatigue that does not improve with rest, along with symptoms such as sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, pain, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and postexertional malaise. These symptoms can be unpredictable and may fluctuate in severity over time.

    The symptoms of CFS can be unpredictable, and may improve or get worse over time. Common symptoms include:[1]

    • Severe fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Difficulty thinking/concentrating
    • Pain
    • Dizziness (especially after standing up)
    • Gastrointestinal discomfort
    • Postexertional malaise (i.e., The worsening of symptoms following relatively small amounts of physical or mental effort.)