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Why do emotionally/ mentally exhausting events or situations tend to leave you feeling physically fatigued as well?

Dr. Aris Thorne
Dr. Aris Thorne
Senior Science Editor · Feb 26, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

In the most literal sense of the word "fatigue" there are four types of fatigue involving skeletal muscles (pretty much any muscle that moves a body part). One of these types of fatigue is called "central command fatigue" and it can be described more plainly as "If your brain tells your body that…

98
Words

1 min
Read Time

#119
of 500 in Psychology

+44%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

In the most literal sense of the word "fatigue" there are four types of fatigue involving skeletal muscles (pretty much any muscle that moves a body part). One of these types of fatigue is called "central command fatigue" and it can be described more plainly as "If your brain tells your body that it is exhausted, then your body will be exhausted". It is a normal psychosomatic response in humans. Beyond that you also have various neurotransmitters and chemicals released in the body during a traumatic event that will leave you feeling exhausted after their effects wear off.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Fatigue, body, exhausted

This explanation focuses on fatigue, body, exhausted and spans 98 words across 4 sentences. At 44% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “In the most literal sense of the word "fatigue" there are four types of fatigue involving skeletal muscles (pretty much “ It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.

How This Compares in Psychology

Ranked #119 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 25%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why emotionally/ mentally exhausting events or situations tend to leave you feeling physically fatigued as well?

In the most literal sense of the word "fatigue" there are four types of fatigue involving skeletal muscles (pretty much any muscle that moves a body part). One of these types of fatigue is called "central command fatigue" and it can be described…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?

This is one of the most thorough answer at 98 words, ranked #119 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are fatigue, body, exhausted.

What approach does this answer take to explain emotionally/ mentally exhausting events or situations tend t?

The explanation uses direct explanation across 98 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.