NEWS

Back-to-school fatigue: just a drop in energy?

Every year, at the start of the school year, many people face this common phenomenon: persistent fatigue, a feeling of low energy, sometimes accompanied by concentration problems or irritability.
Overall, the transition from vacation to school or work generates a disruption in the sleep-wake rhythm, changes in lifestyle (schedules, diet, stress), which are the source of diffuse but painful symptoms.
This period is also an opportunity to strengthen medical prevention measures: the start of the school year represents a strategic moment to carry out a preventive health check.

What if it wasn't fatigue?

Back-to-school fatigue includes a variety of symptoms: sleep disturbances, irritability, impaired bowel movements, difficulty concentrating, and decreased motivation. The causes are often multifactorial:

Circadian rhythm disruption: variable bedtimes and wake-up times on vacation cause a biological shift that is difficult to immediately correct.
Back-to-school stress: anxiety related to the mental load of the new schedule or responsibilities.
Deeper medical causes: viral infections, hormonal disorders, deficiencies (iron, vitamins), thyroid pathologies, etc.

Fatigue that does not resolve within a few weeks, or is associated with other signs (loss of appetite, pain, cognitive disorders) justifies a thorough diagnostic investigation: anemia, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders, chronic stress, etc.

Who does this concern?

Everyone.

In Switzerland, the FMH (Federation of Swiss Doctors) and the FOPH (Federal Office of Public Health) emphasize the importance of regular health checkups, particularly around seasonal or life transitions, to prevent silent illnesses and detect early disorders. Although the specific recommendations do not explicitly mention the start of the school year, the spirit of vigilance and prevention is central. Specialized leagues (pulmonary, cardiology, etc.) also encourage targeted assessments based on risk factors.

Recent sources show that:

In Switzerland, two-thirds of assistant physicians and clinical heads report being frequently tired, linked to high workloads (more than 50 hours/week for half of them).
Internationally, stress-related disorders and chronic fatigue increase long-term morbidity, particularly cardiovascular, metabolic or psychiatric.
According to Aspera Medical, the start of the school year in September is the ideal time to carry out a health check-up : medical availability, boosting a positive dynamic, and screening for silent conditions (hypertension, diabetes, deficiencies, thyroid pathologies).

Reference scientific studies

In the context of fatigue and prevention, screening recommendations do not come specifically from the large cancer screening studies (NELSON, NLST, USPSTF) or ESMO , but are based on:

The ONS (World Health Organization), which shows the impact of chronic stress on cardiovascular health.
Inserm data , highlighting that fatigue can be an early sign of metabolic or cardiovascular pathologies.
The experience of Aspera Medical , which offers a structured return-to-school assessment, with interview, targeted blood tests, fatigue and sleep analysis, and personalized recommendations.

Technological advances in imaging

At CID Lausanne , the latest imaging technologies offer major advantages in the assessment of non-specific fatigue:

Thyroid imaging (ultrasound) in case of suspicion of autonomous or nodular pathologies.
Brain MRI if neurological signs (headaches, visual or cognitive disturbances) appear.
Thoracic imaging (CT or X-ray) available for persistent respiratory symptoms or after infection (e.g. post-COVID).
Abdominal ultrasound if digestive or liver pathologies are suspected.

Integrating functional or AI-assisted into CID enables finer detection, faster reading, and enhanced interpretation. Artificial intelligence can help prioritize scans, detect subtle anomalies, and offer follow-up suggestions.

Contribution of artificial intelligence to imaging

AI in medical imaging improves:

Diagnostic accuracy , via the detection of minimal anomalies that are sometimes difficult to spot.
Speed of interpretation , which allows for faster feedback to the patient and their doctor.
filtering of images , to prioritize urgent cases (thyroid incidentalomas, cerebral anomalies).

At CID Lausanne, AI enhances the quality of assessments by supporting radiologists and clinicians, for more efficient care.

Illustrative clinical case

(detailed educational scenario)

Ms. B., a 45-year-old executive in Lausanne, returned to work in September. After two weeks, she complained of persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, nighttime awakenings, and unusual irritability. Her sleep pattern had been disrupted during the holidays.

She makes an appointment at the CID Lausanne , where we carry out:

Blood tests: discovered iron deficiency and mild hypothyroidism .
A thyroid ultrasound shows a benign inflammatory nodule.
No imaging is required beyond ultrasound.

Management: iron and thyroxine supplementation, advice for a gradual return to a stable lifestyle (rhythm, sleep, diet), follow-up check-ups at 3 months. Mrs. B. gradually regains her energy and concentration.

This case shows that simple back-to-school fatigue can hide treatable causes - hence the importance of preventive check-ups.

Differentiating arguments of the CID Lausanne

Advanced imaging technologies , with AI for increased accuracy and fast rendering.
Holistic approach : from biological assessment to imaging and personalized monitoring.
Know-how , medical rigor, interdisciplinary coordination, compliance with FMH and OFSP recommendations.
Availability and flexibility of consultation , ideal for transitions such as back to school.
Complete patient support , with tailored recommendations, human monitoring and a smooth journey.

FAQ

Why am I so tired after vacation?

Back-to-school fatigue is often due to a disruption in your internal clock (disrupted sleep-wake rhythm), stress about returning to work, an unbalanced diet, or deficiencies. It can also reflect a silent pathology, hence the importance of a check-up.

How long does post-vacation fatigue last?

It is usually transient and lasts about 15 days, but persists in some people due to multiple causes.

When should you consult?

When fatigue persists for more than 2-3 weeks, is accompanied by associated symptoms (sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, loss of performance), or an underlying disorder is suspected.

Why choose CID Lausanne for a check-up?

The CID offers a comprehensive pathway, integrating cutting-edge imaging, AI-assisted, multidisciplinary expertise, and personalized follow-up — an approach perfectly suited to prevention and diagnosis at the start of the school year.

Schedule Your Check-Up

Are you experiencing unusual or persistent fatigue as you head back to school? Don't wait for the signs to worsen: schedule a preventive health checkup at the Lausanne CID now. Our team is here to help.

Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our check-up options. Or consult your primary care physician.

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