It’s Not Just Tiredness: The Many Faces of Sjögren’s Fatigue
Fatigue is consistently reported as one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of Sjögren’s Disease — yet it remains widely underestimated, misinterpreted, and poorly addressed in clinical practice. Unlike ordinary tiredness, Sjögren’s fatigue is persistent, unpredictable, and profoundly affects every aspect of daily life, from work and social relationships to emotional wellbeing. It is not a single experience: it manifests in many different forms, each with its own characteristics, triggers, and impact. This leaflet is based on the landmark work of Teri Rumpf, Ph.D., originally written for the Sjögren’s Foundation and revised by Sjögren Europe, and presents 15 distinct subtypes of fatigue experienced by patients. It aims to give patients a language to describe what they live through, help those around them better understand, and encourage healthcare professionals to take this invisible but devastating symptom more seriously.
