psyche

Fatigue Reduction

Fatigue Reduction refers to feeling or measuring less fatigue, sleepiness, or reduced physical tiredness. In research, it may appear as lower fatigue or sleepiness scores, or as better recovery of muscular power after exercise.

See how Fatigue Reduction is framed within the psyche category and what to consider when reading its reference information.

3Supplements
51Practices

These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

54 options:9 some evidence8 mixed23 not enough evidence1 not tested in people10 personal stories only3 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
26 of 29 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
For people with cancer-related fatigue, a 2025 review of randomized trials found a short-term benefit compared with no yoga, based on 602 people. Findings are not uniform: a 2024 review reported no significant fatigue effects in an analysis of 23 people.
Open the Yoga page
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
17 of 18 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found reduced fatigue in a neutral subgroup of 12 people. A separate pooled analysis of randomized trials found a reduction of −2.129 POMS points in subgroup 3.
Open the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) page
Tai ChipracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
9 of 11 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found reduced fatigue among people with cancer in 2025, with high heterogeneity. A 2024 analysis also reported reduced fatigue symptoms among people with breast cancer.
Open the Tai Chi page
MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 6 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Meditation page
CardiopracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Cardio page
BreathworkpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
8 of 9 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review described fatigue benefits among several outcomes, all with very low certainty of evidence. In a separate analysis of 160 people, cancer-related fatigue was lower after the intervention than before it and lower than in the control group.
Open the Breathwork page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improved fatigue with several massage styles, including reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. In a 5-week randomized trial involving 40 people, fatigue scores decreased in both the massage and guided imagery groups.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
Infrared SaunapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 randomized trial of 30 participants reported a mean difference of −13.57 points on Fatigue 4A. Separately, a 2009 review’s support for FIRS therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome came from a single study.
Open the Infrared Sauna page

CyclingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Cycling page
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
8 of 12 studies found a benefit; 4 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue, and a separate pooled analysis reported improved muscle fatigability after HIIT or sprint interval training.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Large
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
5 of 7 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 systematic review of randomized trials found improved fatigue severity, with an SMD of 1.25, but rated the certainty of evidence as low. Findings differed by treatment and measure: a review of 105 people found no benefit of whole-body photobiomodulation for fatigue biomarkers or exercise performance.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
13 of 32 studies found a benefit; 19 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small improvement in muscular power 24 h after eccentric exercise. Findings differ by outcome: another pooled analysis reported less fatigue at 72 hours, while a separate analysis found no significant difference in perceived exertion at 24 h.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Strength TrainingpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
4 of 5 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue, and another found lower perceived exertion. Findings conflict for people with cancer: a review of 3,843 people described fatigue improvements as unclear and inconsistent, although it reported that low-intensity resistance exercise was effective.
Open the Strength Training page
QigongpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
17 of 23 studies found a benefit; 6 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2021 meta-analysis of randomized trials found reduced fatigue with Qigong exercise. A separate 2021 meta-analysis found fewer cases of moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue in the Baduanjin group, but a 2020 meta-analysis found no clear fatigue effect among 125 people in its analysis, so results differ across reviews.
Open the Qigong page
Mindfulness MeditationpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
18 of 21 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue among 2,534 people, and another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found improvement with interventions lasting eight weeks among 537 participants. Findings conflict: a pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found no reduction among 750 people.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
Hatha YogapracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
9 of 12 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Cupping TherapypracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial of 141 people found a difference favoring Cupping Therapy only on the motivation scale for fatigue. Another trial reported lower perceived exertion during the post-WCT session than during the control session.
Open the Cupping Therapy page
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
5 of 8 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported effects on fatigue among 488 people in its fatigue analysis. A separate pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found lower fatigue scores in one study of 40 people (SMD of −0.94); studies disagree, as another pooled analysis of randomized trials reported a lack of evidence on fatigue.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
MassagepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported improvement in fatigue-related symptoms. A review also described reduced fatigue in intervention groups, including among people with cancer-related symptoms.
Open the Massage page
Anusara YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
In people with Breast Cancer, a 2024 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported improvement in CFR (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval = −0.92 to −0.10).
Open the Anusara Yoga page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
5 of 6 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Meta-analyses of randomized trials reported improvement in fatigue among people with cancer. Findings conflict: another review judged the evidence on fatigue to be very low certainty.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
PilatespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
12 of 17 studies found a benefit; 5 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
One trial found lower physical fatigue after 8 weeks among 80 people. Findings conflict: a pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 812 people found no statistically significant effect on fatigue.
Open the Pilates page
AcupuncturepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
7 of 10 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled randomized trials found reduced cancer-related fatigue scores among 257 people, and another analysis reported lower overall fatigue. Results varied: a separate review of 251 people found no meaningful difference in fatigue between the treatments compared.
Open the Acupuncture page
DancepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
5 of 7 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Dance page
Foam RollingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies involving 517 people found that athletes who used self-myofascial release after football training reported better recovery and less tiredness 24 h after exertion than those using passive recovery.
Open the Foam Rolling page
PsychotherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A systematic review found that a stronger baseline sense of control predicted better improvement in fatigue severity among 3,382 people in its fatigue analysis. A passive activity pattern and greater focus on bodily symptoms were associated with poorer outcomes.
Open the Psychotherapy page
Pursed-Lip BreathingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 5 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Pursed-Lip Breathing page
TENS / EMS TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 4 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
One randomized trial of 301 people found lower movement-evoked fatigue with active TENS than with placebo TENS or no TENS. The findings conflict: a review reported that only 2 of 4 studies found less fatigue than with placebo.
Open the TENS / EMS Therapy page
Brisk WalkingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
Open the Brisk Walking page
Expressive WritingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 3 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
In a quasi-experimental study of 118 people, fatigue scores were lower in the expressive writing group than in the control group. Another quasi-experimental study of 23 people found a non-significant change in fatigue-inertia (-2.43 (6.06) from T1 to T3).
Open the Expressive Writing page
Tabata TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 3 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
In a quasi-experimental study, tiredness scores were lower after the intervention than before it. Studies disagree: a randomized trial found no statistically significant change in the RAST fatigue index.
Open the Tabata Training page
Hot YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
An RCT with 63 participants found improvement in the energy/fatigue domain of health-related quality of life in the experimental group compared with the control group.
Open the Hot Yoga page
SwimmingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial of 32 people reported a 29.5% change in fatigue.
Open the Swimming page
Vinyasa YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
Among 41 patients with Breast Cancer, the share who said they tired quickly fell from 84.62% before the exercise to 46.15% afterward, in a quasi-experimental study.
Open the Vinyasa Yoga page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized controlled trial in 16 healthy people found decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness and pain while participants were grounded compared with not being grounded (2019).
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
Transcendental MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
An RCT involving 10 healthy people found less fatigue in the Transcendental Meditation group than in the control group.
Open the Transcendental Meditation page
Binaural BeatspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 3 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
Open the Binaural Beats page
Hot BathpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial of 69 healthy people found perceived exertion during exercise in heat was −2 points after hot-water immersion, compared with 0 points in the control group. Findings differ across comparisons: a pooled analysis of randomized trials found less fatigue with hot-water immersion than with contrast water therapy among 18 people in its fatigue analysis.
Open the Hot Bath page
Finnish SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a non-randomized trial.
In a 2008 quasi-experimental study of 45 people, the Profile of Mood States Fatigue subscale improved after sauna bathing; a decrease on this subscale is an improvement.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 trial of 43 participants with Menopause found lower general-fatigue scores in the ZG group than the control group. Findings differ: another 2025 trial reported less beneficial perceived physical exertion at work, with a change of 1.6 AU on a 1–15 scale.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page
Social DancingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: an interview study.
In a qualitative study of 13 people, participants reported reduced fatigue after ballroom dance. A cohort study of 66 people found no significant relationship between fatigue changes and either weeks of dance training or dance experience, so findings differ.
Open the Social Dancing page
FastingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Fasting page
Gratitude JournalpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Gratitude Journal page
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)practiceOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) page
Indoor RowingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Indoor Rowing page
Thai MassagepracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Thai Massage page
Yin YogapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Yin Yoga page
Yoga NidrapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Yoga Nidra page
ChagasupplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Chaga page
Sea Moss (Irish Moss)supplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Sea Moss (Irish Moss) page
Turkey TailsupplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Turkey Tail page
Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)practiceNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial of 40 people with the common cold found no differences between groups on the MFI, either compared with baseline or between groups; studies did not support fatigue reduction.
Open the Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot) page
Mobility TrainingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
A 2025 cross-sectional study involving 106 people with Stroke found no significant difference in energy/fatigue, so the studies did not support fatigue reduction.
Open the Mobility Training page
Focused Attention MeditationpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
Fatigue reduction remains a theoretical possibility rather than a demonstrated human effect.
Open the Focused Attention Meditation page

Show all 54

Comparing practices

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)Some evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large15 trials
Tai ChiSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large8 trials
MeditationSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large5 trials

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Linked to improving it54 listed

AllSupplementsPractices

Start here

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effect12 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue, and a separate pooled analysis reported improved muscle fatigability after HIIT or sprint interval training.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Copd
Coronary Artery Disease
+14 more
Study result
reducing fatigue (standardized mean difference = -0.26; 95% confidence interval = -0.50, -0.02; P = 0.03)
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
→
PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectconflicting findings33 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small improvement in muscular power 24 h after eccentric exercise. Findings differ by outcome: another pooled analysis reported less fatigue at 72 hours, while a separate analysis found no significant difference in perceived exertion at 24 h.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
CWI improved the recovery of muscular power 24 h after eccentric exercise (SMD 0.34 [95% CI 0.06–0.62])... small effects; p = 0.018; GRADE = high
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
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PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectconflicting findings6 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue, and another found lower perceived exertion. Findings conflict for people with cancer: a review of 3,843 people described fatigue improvements as unclear and inconsistent, although it reported that low-intensity resistance exercise was effective.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Study result
Meta-analysis indicated a significant difference in favor of RT for fatigue (k = 6, SMD=-0.30, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.14). Fatigue scale not named in abstract.
Open Strength Training
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PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect18 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found reduced fatigue in a neutral subgroup of 12 people (SMD = -0.90; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.57; p < 0.0001). A separate pooled analysis of randomized trials found a reduction of −2.129 POMS points in subgroup 3.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Copd
Depression
Diabetes
+6 more
Study result
In the neutral subgroup (n = 12), it significantly reduced fatigue (SMD = -0.90; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.57; p < 0.0001)
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect12 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found reduced fatigue among people with cancer (SMD −1.03, 95% CI −1.57 to −0.48) in 2025, with high heterogeneity (I²=91%). A 2024 analysis also reported reduced fatigue symptoms among people with breast cancer.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Cerebrovascular Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Multiple Sclerosis
+2 more
Study result
The meta-synthesis showed the statistical significance of QTC in reducing fatigue in cancer patients (SMD −1.03, 95% CI −1.57 to −0.48, I²=91%)
Open Tai Chi
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect30 other sources
For people with cancer-related fatigue, a 2025 review of randomized trials found a short-term benefit compared with no yoga (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.09; MD 2.55, 95% CI 0.88 to 4.12; higher values mean better outcome), based on 602 people. Findings are not uniform: a 2024 review reported no significant fatigue effects in an analysis of 23 people.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Addiction Drugs
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Generalized
Arthritis
Breast Cancer
Cancer
+18 more
Study result
Yoga probably has a beneficial effect compared to no yoga on short-term CRF (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.09; MD 2.55, 95% CI 0.88 to 4.12; higher values mean better outcome; 5 studies, 602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
Open Yoga
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PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect6 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found lower cancer-related fatigue scores among 1,127 people, using validated fatigue scales (SMD = –0.86, 95% CI (–1.22, –0.50), p < 0.001). A review also reported less fatigue at week 5 than before classes among 161 participants.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Alzheimers Disease
Study result
MBSR significantly alleviated CRF as measured by fatigue scales (BFI, CFS, FSI, PFS-R, MDASI, PROMIS-F; higher = worse) [SMD = –0.86, 95% CI (–1.22, –0.50), p < 0.001]
Open Meditation
→

Medium probability(10)

PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect8 other sources
A 2025 systematic review of randomized trials found improved fatigue severity, with an SMD of 1.25, but rated the certainty of evidence as low. Findings differed by treatment and measure: a review of 105 people found no benefit of whole-body photobiomodulation for fatigue biomarkers or exercise performance.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Alopecia Androgenetic
Carpal Tunnel
Chronic Kidney Disease
Fibromyalgia
Fracture
Hashimotos Thyroiditis
+8 more
Study result
Improvements were observed in ... fatigue severity (eSMD, 1.25 [95% CI, 0.63 to 1.87]) ... with low certainty of evidence.
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
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PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect3 other sources
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found reduced fatigue compared with routine healthcare, including cancer-related fatigue (SMD=0.54, 95% CrI: 0.10 to 0.98). The results concern fatigue measured in people with clinical conditions.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Compared with routine healthcare, the results of FIQ showed that more significant relief of fatigue was associated with aerobic exercise (SMD = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.25~1.33])
Open Cardio
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PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings22 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in fatigue among 2,534 people, and another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found improvement with interventions lasting eight weeks among 537 participants. Findings conflict: a pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found no reduction among 750 people.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Alzheimers Disease
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Lung Cancer
Menopause
+1 more
Study result
a significant reduction in fatigue levels with MBSR (SMD: -0.399, 95% CI: -0.562 to -0.236, 95% PI: -0.963 to 0.166); fatigue scales are inverted, so a decrease is positive
Open Mindfulness Meditation
→
PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings24 other sources
A 2021 meta-analysis of randomized trials found reduced fatigue with Qigong exercise (SMD −0.69, 95% CI −0.95 to −0.44). A separate 2021 meta-analysis found fewer cases of moderate-severe cancer-related fatigue in the Baduanjin group, but a 2020 meta-analysis found no clear fatigue effect among 125 people in its analysis, so results differ across reviews.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Colon Cancer
Diabetes
+4 more
Study result
QE could improve the symptoms of fatigue (SMD −0.69, 95% CI −0.95 to −0.44, p < 0.00001)
Open Qigong
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PracticesBreathworkCertaintyMediumSourceClinical9 other sources
A review described fatigue benefits among several outcomes, all with very low certainty of evidence. In a separate analysis of 160 people, cancer-related fatigue was lower after the intervention than before it and lower than in the control group.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Copd
Depression
+3 more
Study result
Beneficial effects (all with very low certainty of evidence) have been reported for the following outcomes: dyspnoea, physical capacity, pulmonary function, psychological well-being, quality of life, functional capacity, fatigue, muscle pain, chest pain, cognitive function, and return to normal dail
Open Breathwork
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PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyMediumSourceClinical6 other sources
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improved fatigue with several massage styles, including reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. In a 5-week randomized trial involving 40 people, fatigue scores decreased in both the massage and guided imagery groups.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Hypertension
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
Fatigue was improved by different massage styles, such as reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyMediumSourceClinicalSmall effectconflicting findings13 other sources
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found a small positive effect on fatigue (SMD = 0.27). Findings conflict: a meta-analysis of randomized trials involving 777 people in its analysis found no improvement in the outcomes of interest for Hatha, Iyengar, or their combination.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Copd
Dialysis
Fibromyalgia
+3 more
Study result
Yoga had a small positive effect on fatigue (SMD = 0.27, 59% CI = 0.23–0.31).
Open Hatha Yoga
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PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
A randomized trial of 141 people found a difference favoring Cupping Therapy only on the motivation scale for fatigue (difference −1.2, 95% CI: −2.1, −0.2). Another trial reported lower perceived exertion during the post-WCT session than during the control session.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Fibromyalgia
Study result
For fatigue only the scale reduced motivation revealed group differences (difference −1.2, 95% CI: −2.1, −0.2) in favour of cupping therapy.
Open Cupping Therapy
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PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2025 randomized trial of 30 participants reported a mean difference of −13.57 points on Fatigue 4A (−18.63 to −8.51). Separately, a 2009 review’s support for FIRS therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome came from a single study.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Chronic Pain
Coronary Artery Disease
Diabetes Type2
Heart Failure
Major Depressive Disorder
Obesity
Study result
weak evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome
Open Infrared Sauna
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PracticesCyclingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical2 other sources
In a randomized trial of 44 people, Borg-L scores decreased in both groups compared with week 2, but there was no significant difference between the groups. Another trial found lower B[La] with 15 s than 30 s HIIT (8.4 ± 3.2 cf. 10.6 ± 2.2 mmol/L; ES [95%CI] = −0.88 [−1.44 to −0.28], p = 0.0257).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Regarding Borg-L scores, a significant reduction was observed for both groups at each time point compared with week 2. However, no significant difference was observed between the ECT and ECT-HV groups.
Open Cycling
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Low probability(33)

PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisLarge effectconflicting findings8 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported effects on fatigue among 488 people in its fatigue analysis. A separate pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found lower fatigue scores in one study of 40 people (SMD of −0.94 (−1.67 to −0.22)); studies disagree, as another pooled analysis of randomized trials reported a lack of evidence on fatigue.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Study result
significant effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on ... the alleviation of ... fatigue
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis2 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported improvement in fatigue-related symptoms. A review also described reduced fatigue in intervention groups, including among people with cancer-related symptoms.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Massage significantly improves psychological, depressive, anxious, and fatigue-related symptoms
Open Massage
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PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis2 other sources
In people with Breast Cancer, a 2024 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported improvement in CFR (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.92 to −0.10).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Study result
yoga can effectively enhance CFR (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.92 to −0.10)
Open Anusara Yoga
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PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysisconflicting findings6 other sources
Meta-analyses of randomized trials reported improvement in fatigue among people with cancer. Findings conflict: another review judged the evidence on fatigue to be very low certainty.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Eczema
Study result
The results showed that laughter therapy can effectively improve cancer patients'... and fatigue (scale not named in abstract)
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
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PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceRCTLarge effectconflicting findings11 other sources
Pooled randomized trials found reduced cancer-related fatigue scores among 257 people, and another analysis reported lower overall fatigue. Results varied: a separate review of 251 people found no meaningful difference in fatigue between the treatments compared.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Parkinsons Disease
Study result
acupuncture significantly reduced CRF severity on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (WMD: −1.31, 95% CI −2.04–−0.59, P = .0004, I2 = 37%)
Open Acupuncture
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PracticesDanceCertaintyLowSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings8 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found reduced fatigue in 110 people (SMD: −0.70; 95% CI: −1.08, −0.31). Findings differ: a pooled analysis of randomized trials found a non-significant fatigue result (SMD = 0.35, CI = [−0.18, 0.88], p = 0.12), while a separate analysis reported a reduction in two studies using dance-based physical activity lasting at least 9 weeks.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Huntingtons Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinsons Disease
Stroke
Study result
Fatigue (SMD: −0.70; 95% CI: −1.08, −0.31) measured via POMS
Open Dance
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PracticesPilatesCertaintyLowSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings17 other sources
One trial found lower physical fatigue after 8 weeks among 80 people. Findings conflict: a pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 812 people found no statistically significant effect on fatigue.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Ibs
Menstrual Irregularity
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
Pilates combined with Pilates-based telerehabilitation ... significantly improved Fatigue Severity Scale scores.
Open Pilates
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PracticesFoam RollingCertaintyLowSourceRCT3 other sources
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies involving 517 people found that athletes who used self-myofascial release after football training reported better recovery and less tiredness 24 h after exertion than those using passive recovery.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
athletes who performed SMR exercises after football training sessions had better perceived recovery and less feeling of tiredness 24 h after the exertion during training, compared to those athletes performing a passive recovery.
Open Foam Rolling
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PracticesPsychotherapyCertaintyLowSourceRCT2 other sources
A systematic review found that a stronger baseline sense of control predicted better improvement in fatigue severity among 3,382 people in its fatigue analysis. A passive activity pattern and greater focus on bodily symptoms were associated with poorer outcomes.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Greater baseline sense of control predicted better improvement in fatigue severity, while a passive activity pattern and higher focus on bodily symptoms were associated with poorer outcomes (Prins et al.).
Open Psychotherapy
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PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyLowSourceRCTconflicting findings4 other sources
One randomized trial of 301 people found lower movement-evoked fatigue with active TENS than with placebo TENS (group mean difference –1.4, 95% CI –2.4, –0.4) or no TENS (–1.9, 95% CI –2.9, –0.9). The findings conflict: a review reported that only 2 of 4 studies found less fatigue than with placebo.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
Reduction in movement-evoked fatigue in active TENS vs placebo TENS (group mean difference –1.4 [95% CI –2.4, –0.4]; P=0.001) and vs no TENS (–1.9 [95% CI –2.9, –0.9]; P<0.0001) on an 11-point NRS.
Open TENS / EMS Therapy
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PracticesPursed-Lip BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 other sources
In a randomized trial of 54 people, the Piper Fatigue Scale score fell from 8.29±1.19 before the intervention to 6.83±1.02 at the fourth week. Another trial reported a decrease by the eighth week that was not statistically significant, so findings are not consistent.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Sleep Apnea
Tuberculosis
Study result
The Piper Fatigue Scale total mean score of the intervention group was 8.29±1.19 before the intervention and dropped to 6.83±1.02 at the fourth week (p<0.05)
Open Pursed-Lip Breathing
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PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2025 quasi-experimental study in 27 people found fatigue severity decreased over time (MD -8.1 points), but the change could not be attributed directly to walking exercise.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Ibd
Obesity
Post Viral Syndrome
Study result
A significant and clinically relevant decrease in fatigue severity was found over time (β = −8.1, 95% CI = −12.1; −4.2), but could not be attributed directly to the walking exercise intervention.
Open Brisk Walking
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PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
In a quasi-experimental study of 118 people, fatigue scores were lower in the expressive writing group than in the control group. Another quasi-experimental study of 23 people found a non-significant change in fatigue-inertia (-2.43 (6.06) from T1 to T3).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Covid 19
Leukemia
Study result
the score of TMD, tension, anger, depression + confusion, and fatigue in the EW group were lower than those in the control group
Open Expressive Writing
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PracticesTabata TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
In a quasi-experimental study, tiredness scores were lower after the intervention than before it. Studies disagree: a randomized trial found no statistically significant change in the RAST fatigue index (F=1.105, P=.314, η²=.084).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
tiredness showed statistical significance for the main effect of time [F (1, 26) = 14.513, p < 0.001], revealing that the values were lower in the post-test measures compared to those of the pre-test
Open Tabata Training
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PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
An RCT with 63 participants found improvement in the energy/fatigue domain of health-related quality of life in the experimental group compared with the control group.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
...the general health (p=0.034, partial η2=0.058) and energy/fatigue (p=0.019, partial η2=0.066) domains of HRQoL in the experimental group versus the control group.
Open Hot Yoga
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PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized trial of 32 people reported a 29.5% change in fatigue (P = 0.005).
Study result
Fatigue (29.5%, P = 0.005)
Open Swimming
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PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
Among 41 patients with Breast Cancer, the share who said they tired quickly fell from 84.62% before the exercise to 46.15% afterward, in a quasi-experimental study.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Study result
A total of 84.62% of those starting the project answered in the affirmative to the question, 'I'm tiring much faster than before', while after the exercise, 46.15% declared tiring quickly
Open Vinyasa Yoga
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PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized controlled trial in 16 healthy people found decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness and pain while participants were grounded compared with not being grounded (2019).
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
significant decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness and pain while grounded as compared to not being grounded.
Open Grounding / Earthing
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PracticesTranscendental MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
An RCT involving 10 healthy people found less fatigue in the Transcendental Meditation group than in the control group.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
less fatigue (Z=-2.060, p=0.039) than the control group
Open Transcendental Meditation
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PracticesBinaural BeatsCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A pilot study reported that the median total fatigue score fell from 82.5 to 77 (MD -5.5 points). Another trial found that pre-post changes in mood scales did not significantly vary with Binaural Beats or the auditory stimulus parameters.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
fatigue (change in median MFI total score from 82.5 to 77)
Open Binaural Beats
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PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinicalconflicting findings3 other sources
A randomized trial of 69 healthy people found perceived exertion during exercise in heat was −2 points after hot-water immersion, compared with 0 points in the control group. Findings differ across comparisons: a pooled analysis of randomized trials found less fatigue with hot-water immersion than with contrast water therapy among 18 people in its fatigue analysis.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
Perceptual responses to exercise-heat-stress were lower after HWI (RPE, −2 ± 1) than CON (RPE, 0 ± 1, P = 0.036, d = 1.57).
Open Hot Bath
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PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a 2008 quasi-experimental study of 45 people, the Profile of Mood States Fatigue subscale improved after sauna bathing; a decrease on this subscale is an improvement.
Study result
All mood scales and both manifest anxiety measures were improved after sauna bathing. (Profile of Mood States, POMS, Fatigue subscale; a decrease is an improvement)
Open Finnish Sauna
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PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyLowSourceClinicalconflicting findings2 other sources
A 2025 trial of 43 participants with Menopause found lower general-fatigue scores in the ZG group than the control group. Findings differ: another 2025 trial reported less beneficial perceived physical exertion at work, with a change of 1.6 AU on a 1–15 scale.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Menopause
Study result
significant group effects were also observed for the general fatigue (F(1) = 9.860, p = 0.003, ƞp^2: 0198) ... scores on these components were significantly lower in the ZG group compared to the C group
Open Latin Dance Fitness
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PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 14 of 569 community reports discussing it (Reddit 11, YouTube 3).
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PracticesGratitude JournalCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 196 Reddit reports discussing it.
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PracticesLoving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)CertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 260 Reddit reports discussing it.
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PracticesIndoor RowingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 242 Reddit reports discussing it.
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PracticesThai MassageCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 262 Reddit reports discussing it.
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PracticesYin YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 19 Bluesky reports discussing it.
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PracticesYoga NidraCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 17 of 504 community reports discussing it (YouTube 6, Hacker News 4, Reddit 4, Bluesky 3).
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PracticesSocial DancingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical3 other sources
In a qualitative study of 13 people, participants reported reduced fatigue after ballroom dance. A cohort study of 66 people found no significant relationship between fatigue changes and either weeks of dance training (p=0.581) or dance experience (p=0.348), so findings differ.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
Ballroom dance improved perceived symptoms... as well as reduced fatigue and alleviated depression
Open Social Dancing
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PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical3 other sources
A 2025 cross-sectional study involving 106 people with Stroke found no significant difference in energy/fatigue (total: p = 0.89), so the studies did not support fatigue reduction.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Stroke
Open Mobility Training
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PracticesFocused Attention MeditationCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
Fatigue reduction remains a theoretical possibility rather than a demonstrated human effect.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Focused Attention Meditation
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Very low probability(4)

PracticesNasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)CertaintyVery lowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized trial of 40 people with the common cold found no differences between groups on the MFI, either compared with baseline or between groups; studies did not support fatigue reduction.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Common Cold
Open Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)
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SupplementsChagaCertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 229 Reddit reports discussing it.
Timing
felt within days
Open Chaga
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SupplementsSea Moss (Irish Moss)CertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 250 Reddit reports discussing it.
Timing
Weeks
Open Sea Moss (Irish Moss)
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SupplementsTurkey TailCertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 232 Reddit reports discussing it.
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Practices compared

Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 37

Practice	How sure	Effect size	Own trials	What worked in trials
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	15 trials or pooled analyses	60–90 min · 0.1–0.3 weeks
Tai Chi	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	8 trials or pooled analyses	20–60 min · 2–4.5×/week · 11–15 weeks
Meditation	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	5 trials or pooled analyses	20–85 min · 1–2×/week · 6 weeks
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	4 trials or pooled analyses	2.7–12 min · 2×/week · 3–4 weeks
Qigong	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	15 trials or pooled analyses	25–53 min · 2–3×/week · 6–12 weeks
Cardio	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	2 trials or pooled analyses
Yoga	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	21 trials or pooled analyses	1.5–60 min · 1–3×/week · 4–11 weeks
Mindfulness Meditation	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	17 trials or pooled analyses	15–40 min · 1–1.5×/week · 6–8 weeks
Ice Bath / Cold Plunge	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Small effect	11 trials or pooled analyses	10–15 min
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Small effect	8 trials or pooled analyses	17–39 min · 2.5–2.7×/week · 6–11 weeks

What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

It is a broad outcome rather than a diagnosis or a single experience. Examples studied in this context include Caffeine, Yoga, TENS / EMS Therapy, and Ice Bath / Cold Plunge.

How interventions help

Interventions associated with lower fatigue do not all address the same experience. Caffeine was evaluated for sleepiness, while other approaches measured mental fatigue, general fatigue scores, fatigue related to a clinical condition, or recovery of muscular power after exercise. These outcomes should not be treated as interchangeable: feeling less sleepy is different from recovering physical power or reporting fewer symptoms on a fatigue scale.

The practical timing also varies. Some approaches were assessed after an acute use or showed an immediate onset, whereas others were used continuously or evaluated only after days or weeks. This means a short-term change should not automatically be compared with an effect that depends on ongoing use. The findings for Coenzyme Q10, Ashwagandha, Melatonin, American Ginseng, and Lemon Balm (Melissa) illustrate that the time before an outcome was measured differed substantially across interventions.

The approaches also span several settings, including structured movement practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Swimming; meditation; TENS / EMS Therapy; cold-water recovery; and supplements or foods such as Caffeine, Lavender Extract, and Coenzyme Q10. Some findings came from people with a clinical condition, some from mixed groups, and others from populations whose health status was not specified. Results therefore describe particular forms of fatigue and study contexts rather than guaranteeing the same response for everyone.

Overall, the most useful comparison is not simply which intervention appears to help, but what type of fatigue was measured, how quickly change was assessed, and whether the approach was studied as a one-time, short-term, or ongoing intervention.

Choosing guidance

Choosing among these options depends first on what kind of fatigue you want to address. Some are aimed at short-term sleepiness or alertness, while others have been studied for exercise recovery, mental fatigue, sleep-related outcomes, or fatigue occurring alongside a clinical condition. An option that fits one context may not translate well to another, especially when the studies involve a specific patient group rather than generally healthy adults.

Time course is also important. Some options were assessed after a single use or appeared quickly, whereas others were used daily over days or weeks before fatigue was measured. This makes an immediate-feeling option and a longer-term approach difficult to compare directly. Consider whether you are looking for a short-lived change, a gradual effect, or a practice that requires continued participation.

Human evidence provides a more direct basis for judging whether findings may apply to people. Entries supported mainly by theoretical reasoning, pharmacology references, reviews without human confirmation, or community reports should be treated as less certain than options studied in human trials. Even among human studies, results can differ when the outcome is sleepiness, perceived fatigue, exercise performance, or fatigue linked to illness.

For a deficiency-specific choice, applicability depends on whether that deficiency is present: the entry for Vitamin B12 states that benefit is not established for B12-replete individuals. People comparing mind-body options may prefer approaches studied in clinical populations, while those seeking an acute change may focus on options assessed soon after use. Conflicting findings, noted for some exercise and mind-body approaches, are a reason to keep expectations cautious rather than assuming one result applies to everyone.