Home Wisdom teeth What is the constant related to? Fine structure constant

What is the constant related to? Fine structure constant

Sommerfeld, was the ratio of two angular momenta that arise in the theory of electron motion along Keplerian orbits - the so-called limiting moment, which is responsible for the movement of the periapsis in a relativistic consideration, and the moment corresponding to the first quantum state. Later, in his famous book “Atomic Structure and Spectra,” Sommerfeld introduced as the ratio of the speed of an electron in the first circular orbit in the Bohr model of the atom to the speed of light. This value was further used to calculate the fine splitting of the spectral lines of hydrogen-like atoms.

The fact that much is less than unity allows the use of perturbation theory in quantum electrodynamics. The physical results in this theory are presented as a series of powers, with terms of increasing powers becoming less and less important. Conversely, the large interaction constant in quantum chromodynamics makes calculations taking into account the strong interaction extremely difficult.

If the predictions of quantum electrodynamics were correct, then the fine structure constant would take infinitely great importance at an energy value known as the Landau pole. This limits the scope of quantum electrodynamics to only that of perturbation theory.

Constancy of magnitude

The study of the question of whether the fine structure constant is really constant, that is, whether it always had modern meaning or changed during the existence of the Universe, has a long history. The first ideas of this kind appeared in the 1930s, shortly after the discovery of the expansion of the Universe, and pursued the goal of maintaining a static model of the Universe by changing fundamental constants over time. Thus, in the article by J. and B. Chalmers, an explanation was proposed for the observed red shift of the spectral lines of galaxies due to the simultaneous increase in the elementary charge and Planck’s constant (this should also lead to a time dependence). In a number of other publications, it was assumed that the fine structure constant remains unchanged while its constituent constants vary.

The question of changing the fine structure constant over time was subjected to serious testing in 1967. The initiator was Georgy Gamow, who, refusing to accept Dirac's idea of ​​​​a change in the gravitational constant, replaced it with the hypothesis of a variation of the elementary charge and, as a consequence, . He also showed that this assumption can be tested by observing the fine structure of the spectra of distant galaxies. Objections of a nuclear physical and geological nature were raised against Gamow's assumption, which were made by Freeman Dyson and Asher Perez ( Asher Peres) . Direct experimental testing of Gamow's hypothesis was undertaken by John Bacall ( John N. Bahcall) and Maarten Schmidt, who measured the fine splitting doublets of five redshift radio galaxies. From the experiment, the ratio of the measured value of the fine structure constant to its laboratory value followed, which contradicted the prediction in the case (see also review). Gamow quickly admitted defeat. Studies of the natural nuclear reactor in Oklo, carried out in the 1970s, did not reveal any changes in the fine structure constant. All these works made it possible to establish very strict restrictions on the possible speed and nature of changes in other fundamental constants.

However, by the early 2000s, improvements in astronomical observing techniques suggested that the fine structure constant may have changed its value over time: analysis of absorption lines in quasar spectra suggested a relative rate of change of about per year . The consequences of a possible change in the fine structure constant for cosmology were also studied. However, more detailed observations of quasars made in April 2004 using the UVES spectrograph on one of the 8.2-meter telescopes of the Paranal Observatory Telescope in Chile showed that the possible change could not be more than 0.6 parts per million () over the last ten billion years (see articles and press release). Since this limitation contradicts earlier results, the question of whether is constant is considered open.

Attempts to calculate (including numerology)

Early attempts

The fine structure constant, being a dimensionless quantity that does not correlate in any way with any of the known mathematical constants, has always been an object of admiration for physicists. Richard Feynman, one of the founders of quantum electrodynamics, called it "one of the greatest damned mysteries of physics: a magic number that comes to us without any human understanding of it". A large number of attempts have been made to express this constant in terms of pure mathematical quantities or calculated based on some physical considerations. So, back in 1914, chemists Gilbert Lewis and Elliott Adams ( Elliot Quincy Adams), starting from the expression for Stefan's constant, after some assumptions they expressed Planck's constant in terms of the electron charge and the speed of light. If we compose the fine structure constant from their formula, which was not yet known at that time, we will get

The work of Lewis and Adams did not go unnoticed and was taken up by several other scientists. Herbert Stanley Allen ( H. Stanley Allen) in his article explicitly constructed the above dimensionless quantity (denoting it by ) and tried to connect it with the value of the charge and mass of the electron; he also pointed out the approximate relationship between the masses of the electron and the proton. In 1922, Chicago physicist Arthur Lunn ( Arthur C. Lunn) suggested that the fine structure constant is somehow related to the nuclear mass defect, and also considered its possible connection with gravity through the relation ( - Newtonian gravitational constant). In addition, he suggested several purely algebraic expressions for , namely: , , , .

The first attempt to connect the fine structure constant with the parameters of the Universe was made in 1925 by Liverpool physicist James Rice ( James Rice), who was greatly impressed by the work of astrophysicist Arthur Eddington in unifying general relativity with electromagnetism. In his first article, Rice came to the following expression relating to the radius of curvature of the Universe,

where is the electromagnetic radius of the electron, is the gravitational radius of the electron. However, he soon discovered a gross error in his calculations and in the next note presented a corrected version of the relationship, namely:

Setting the value cm for the radius of the Universe, Rice obtained .

Eddington's theory

Other mid-20th century attempts

Although some leading physicists (Sommerfeld, Schrödinger, Jordan) were interested in Eddington's theory, the difficulty of agreement with experiment soon became clear; in addition, it was difficult to understand Eddington's technique. As Wolfgang Pauli aptly put it, it was “romantic poetry rather than physics.” However, this theory gave rise to many followers who proposed their own more or less speculative approaches to analyzing the origin of the fine structure constant. So in 1929 Vladimir Rozhansky ( Vladimir Rojansky) actually "rediscovered" Allen's relation between the masses of the proton and electron, and Enos Whitmer ( Enos Whitmer) proposed a relationship between the masses of helium and hydrogen atoms in the form

Similar attempts to connect with other constants of nature (especially with) were made around this time by Wilhelm Anderson ( Wilhelm Anderson), Reinhold Furth ( Reinhold Furth), Walter Glaser ( Walter Glaser) and Kurt Sitte ( Kurt Sitte) (they determined the maximum number chemical elements as), Arthur Haaz ( Arthur Erich Haas), Alfred Lande and others. A large number of this kind of work motivated the physicists Guido Beck, Hans Bethe and Wolfgang Riezler ( Wolfgang Riezler) send to magazine Die Naturwissenschaften comic note “Toward the quantum theory of absolute zero temperature.” This article parodied the search for numerological formulas for physical constants and offered an "explanation" for the fact that the fine structure constant is approximately equal to , where °C is absolute zero temperature. The editors of the magazine did not realize the parodic nature of the note and published it on the pages of the publication. When the truth was revealed, the joke angered magazine editor Arnold Berliner ( Arnold Berliner), so that, at Sommerfeld's insistence, Bethe was forced to apologize for his action.

After the discovery of the muon in 1937, speculative speculation arose about the connection of the new particle with the constants of nature. According to Patrick Blackett, there is a possible connection between gravity and the muon lifetime in the form

where is the muon mass. Henry Flint ( Henry Flint), based on considerations of the 5-dimensional extension of the theory of relativity, he obtained the relation. Among later attempts, one can note the purely numerological relationship between the masses of the proton and electron, which appeared in an extremely short note by a certain Friedrich Lenz ( Friedrich Lenz), and it read: . In 1952, Yoichiro Nambu pointed out that the masses elementary particles heavier than an electron can be described by the following empirical formula:

where is an integer. For example, for the muon mass (), for - the pion mass (), for - the approximate mass of nucleons ().

More scientifically sound were attempts to calculate the value of the fine structure constant made by Max Born and Werner Heisenberg based on their generalizations of existing field theories. Born, using his approach based on the “principle of reciprocity” (see, for example, works), by the end of the 1940s he was only able to obtain an estimate that gave. Heisenberg, within the framework of his nonlinear field theory, also managed to obtain agreement with the experimental value of the constant only in the order of magnitude.

Modern attempts

An association with the supposed dimension of space-time is also possible: in one of the most promising theories of recent times - the so-called "M-theory", developing as a generalization of superstring theory and claiming to describe all physical interactions and elementary particles - space-time is assumed to be 11-dimensional . In this case, one dimension at the macro level is perceived as time, three more as macroscopic spatial dimensions, the remaining seven are the so-called “collapsed” (quantum) dimensions, felt only at the micro level. PTS combines the numbers 1, 3 and 7 with factors that are multiples of ten, and 10 can be interpreted as the total dimension of space in superstring theory.

Similarly, the mathematician James Gilson proposed that the fine structure constant can be mathematically, with a high degree of accuracy, determined as

29 and 137 are the 10th and 33rd prime numbers, respectively. Until 2002 data, this value was within the limits of measurement errors. Currently it differs by 1.7 standard deviations of the experimental data, making this value possible but unlikely.

A recent article by A. Olczak provides a more compact and intelligible formula that approximates the fine structure constant with no worse accuracy than Gilson's formula. The value of the PTS is associated with the Feigenbaum constant, which is key for the dynamics of chaos. This constant, in the most general terms, characterizes the speed of approximation of solutions to nonlinear dynamic systems to a state of “instability at every point” or “dynamic chaos”. To date, the calculated value of Feigenbaum's constant (within the accuracy required for calculating the PTS) is .

The value of PTS is very accurately calculated as the root of a simple equation

and amounts to which approximates the experimental value to the tenth decimal place. The accuracy of the agreement is ~1.3 standard intervals of today's experimental error.

It should also be noted that from the point of view of modern quantum electrodynamics, the fine structure constant is a running coupling constant, that is, it depends on the energy scale of the interaction. This fact deprives most physical meaning attempts to construct a numerological formula for some specific (in particular, zero, if we are talking about the value) transmitted impulse.

see also

Notes

  1. CODATA recommended fine structure constant value.
  2. A. Sommerfeld. Die Feinstruktur der Wasserstoff- und der Wasserstoff-ähnlichen Linien // Sitzungsberichte der Königl. Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu München. - 1915. - P. 459-500.
  3. A. Sommerfeld. Zur Quantentheorie der Spektrallinien // Annalen der Physik. - 1916. - Vol. 356(51). - P. 1-94.
  4. A. Sommerfeld. Atomic structure and spectra. - M.: Gostekhizdat, 1956. - T. 1. - P. 81.
  5. , pp. 403–404
  6. , pp. 427–430
  7. J. A. Chalmers, B. Chalmers. The expanding universe-an alternative view // Philosophical Magazine Series 7. - 1935. - Vol. 19. - P. 436-446.
  8. S. Sambursky. Static Universe and Nebular Red Shift // Physical Review. - 1937. - Vol. 52. - P. 335-338.
  9. K. P. Stanyukovich. Possible changes in the gravitational constant // Soviet Physics - Doklady. - 1963. - Vol. 7. - P. 1150-1152.
  10. J. O"Hanlon, K.-K. Tam. Time Variation of the Fundamental Constants of Physics // Progress of Theoretical Physics. - 1969. - Vol. 41. - P. 1596-1598.
  11. P. A. M. Dirac. A New Basis for Cosmology // Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A. - 1938. - Vol. 165. - P. 199-208.
  12. P. Jordan.Über die kosmologische Konstanz der Feinstrukturkonstanten // Zeitschrift für Physik. - 1939. - Vol. 113. - P. 660-662.
  13. E. Teller. On the Change of Physical Constants // Physical Review. - 1948. - Vol. 73. - P. 801-802.
  14. J. Brandmüller, E. Rüchardt. Die Sommerfeldsche Feinstrukturkonstante und das Problem der spektroskopischen Einheiten // Die Naturwissenschaften. - 1950. - Vol. 37. - P. 337-343.
  15. R. Baggiolini. On a Remarkable Relation between Atomic and Universal Constants // American Journal of Physics. - 1957. - Vol. 25. - P. 324-325.
  16. G. Gamow. Electricity, Gravity, and Cosmology // Physical Review Letters. - 1967. - Vol. 19. - P. 759-761.
  17. F. J. Dyson. Time Variation of the Charge of the Proton // Physical Review Letters. - 1967. - Vol. 19. - P. 1291-1293.
  18. A.Peres. Constancy of the Fundamental Electric Charge // Physical Review Letters. - 1967. - Vol. 19. - P. 1293-1294.
  19. J. N. Bahcall, M. Schmidt. Does the Fine-Structure Constant Vary with Cosmic Time? // Physical Review Letters. - 1967. - Vol. 19. - P. 1294-1295.
  20. Ya. M. Kramarovsky, V. P. Chechev. Does the charge of an electron change as the Universe ages? // UFN. - 1970. - T. 102. - P. 141-148.
  21. G. Gamow. Numerology of the Constants of Nature // PNAS. - 1968. - Vol. 59. - P. 313-318.
  22. Yu. V. Petrov. Natural nuclear reactor Oklo // UFN. - 1977. - T. 123. - P. 473-486.
  23. M. T. Murphy, J. K. Webb, V. V. Flambaum, V. A. Dzuba, C. W. Churchill, J. X. Prochaska, J. D. Barrow, A. M. Wolfe. Possible evidence for a variable fine-structure constant from QSO absorption lines: motivations, analysis and results // . - 2001. - Vol. 327. - P. 1208-1222.
  24. J. D. Barrow, H. B. Sandvik, J. Magueijo. Behavior of varying-alpha cosmologies // Physical Review D. - 2002. - Vol. 65. - P. 063504.
  25. R. Srianand, H. Chand, P. Petitjean, B. Aracil. Limits on the Time Variation of the Electromagnetic Fine-Structure Constant in the Low Energy Limit from Absorption Lines in the Spectra of Distant Quasars // Physical Review Letters. - 2004. - Vol. 92. - P. 121302.
  26. H. Chand, R. Srianand, P. Petitjean, B. Aracil. Probing the cosmological variation of the fine-structure constant: Results based on VLT-UVES sample // Astronomy & Astrophysics. - 2004. - Vol. 417. - P. 853-871.
  27. New Quasar Studies Keep Fundamental Physical Constant Constant // ESO Press Release, 31 March 2004
  28. J. K. Webb, J. A. King, M. T. Murphy, V. V. Flambaum, R. F. Carswell, M. B. Bainbridge. Indications of a Spatial Variation of the Fine Structure Constant // Physical Review Letters. - 2011. - Vol. 107. - P. 191101. See also .
  29. J. C. Berengut, V. V. Flambaum, J. A. King, S. J. Curran, J. K. Webb. // Physical Review D. - 2011. - Vol. 83. - P. 123506. See also .
  30. J. A. King, M. T. Murphy, W. Ubachs, J. K. Webb. New constraint on cosmological variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio from Q0528-250 // Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - 2011.
  31. S. J. Curran, A. Tanna, F. E. Koch, J. C. Berengut, J. K. Webb, A. A. Stark, V. V. Flambaum. Measuring space-time variation of the fundamental constants with redshifted submillimeter transitions of neutral carbon // Astronomy & Astrophysics. - 2011.
  32. J. C. Berengut, V. V. Flambaum. Manifestations of a spatial variation of fundamental constants in atomic and nuclear clocks, Oklo, meteorites, and cosmological phenomena // Europhysics Letters. - 2012. - Vol. 97. - P. 20006.
  33. J. D. Barrow. Cosmology, Life, and the Anthropic Principle // Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. - 2001. - Vol. 950. - P. 139-153.
  34. G. N. Lewis and E. Q. Adams. A Theory of Ultimate Rational Units; Numerical Relations between Elementary Charge, Wirkungsquantum, Constant of Stefan's Law // Physical Review. - 1914. - Vol. 3. - P. 92-102.
  35. , pp. 400–401
  36. , pp. 401–402
  37. H. Stanley Allen. Numerical Relationships between Electronic and Atomic Constants // Proceedings of the Physical Society of London. - 1914. - Vol. 27. - P. 425-431.
  38. A. C. Lunn. Atomic Constants and Dimensional Invariants // Physical Review. - 1922. - Vol. 20. - P. 1-14.
  39. , p. 406
  40. J. Rice. On Eddington's natural unit of the field, and possible relations between it and the universal constants of physics // . - 1925. - Vol. 49. - P. 457-463.
  41. J. Rice. On Eddington's natural unit of the field // Philosophical Magazine Series 6. - 1925. - Vol. 49. - P. 1056-1057.
  42. A. S. Eddington. The Charge of an Electron // Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A. - 1929. - Vol. 122. - P. 358-369.
  43. A. S. Eddington. The Interaction of Electric Charges // Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A. - 1930. - Vol. 126. - P. 696-728.
  44. A. S. Eddington. On the Value of the Cosmical Constant // Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A. - 1931. - Vol. 133. - P. 605-615.
  45. A. S. Eddington. Theory of Electric Charge // Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A. - 1932. - Vol. 138. - P. 17-41.
  46. R. T. Birge. The general physical constants: As of August 1941 with details on the velocity of light only // Reports on Progress in Physics. - 1941. - Vol. 8. - P. 90-134.
  47. , pp. 411–415
  48. , pp. 416–418
  49. , pp. 419–422
  50. V. Rojansky. The Ratio of the Mass of the Proton to that of the Electron // Nature. - 1929. - Vol. 123. - P. 911-912.
  51. E. E. Witmer.

When you feel the urge to take a nap during the day after an active night spent (in work or in entertainment - it doesn’t matter), this is quite natural. But if the “sleepy fly” condition hits you every day, it’s worth looking for the reason

It's all about oxygen

An irresistible desire to sleep at inopportune times often arises in a stuffy room or in rainy weather. It's simple: in these cases, the atmospheric pressure decreases and the amount of oxygen decreases, which causes a decrease in brain activity. Drowsiness also occurs after a hearty lunch: blood rushes to the stomach and the brain receives less energy.

It is not difficult to cope with such drowsiness: go out into the fresh air, move a little after lunch and you will regain your vigor.

How long do I rest?

This question is constant drowsiness It’s worth asking yourself first. Most people sleep much less than the required amount (which is 7-8 hours for an adult), but the individual need for night sleep may be even higher. It is enough to observe sleep hygiene, go to bed and get up at a certain time, avoid any emotional stress before bed - and the problem of daytime sleepiness will disappear.

Hurry to the doctor!

If you, despite a full night's sleep, still feel lethargic during the day, the cause may be illness.

Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is manifested by a short-term cessation of breathing: a person snores, then silence reigns for a few seconds, breathing is interrupted - and snoring is heard again. During a pause in breathing, oxygen starvation of the brain occurs, and in order to interrupt it, it gives a signal to wake up. If this happens frequently during the night, the person does not get enough sleep and involuntarily tries to compensate for the lack of sleep during the day. A study called polysomnography will help determine the cause of apnea. To undergo it, you need to see a somnologist.

Hypothyroidism

Hormones thyroid gland regulate metabolism, help to be energetic. With their deficiency - hypothyroidism - metabolic processes are slowing down. In addition to drowsiness, dry skin, weight gain with decreased appetite, and menstrual irregularities may cause concern in this case. A blood test for thyroid hormones will help identify the disease. It is carried out after consultation with an endocrinologist.

Diabetes

According to American scientists, if a person experiences frequent daytime sleepiness, he or she should be screened for diabetes. Lethargy can be a sign of either high or low blood sugar. In addition to apathy, this disease can cause pain constant thirst, itchy skin, dizziness. Do you recognize yourself? Then you urgently need to consult an endocrinologist.

Hypotension

With a strong decrease in pressure, the blood supply to the brain decreases, and a lack of oxygen occurs. You seem to be sitting in a stuffy room, although in fact there may be plenty of air in the room. Measure your blood pressure: if it is below normal, consult a therapist.

Anemia

Iron deficiency in the body leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood. It is hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the cells of all organs, including the brain. So drowsiness with a lack of iron is inevitable. In addition to this, you may be worried about weakness, dizziness, and hair loss. Get a blood test and talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements.

Depression

Drowsiness can be a unique response to difficult life circumstances. The brain, unable to cope with the problem or worries about it, begins to “slow down,” causing a sleepy state. Don’t try to “sleep through” the problem - try to solve it. If you can’t do it on your own, consult a psychologist.

By the way

Some medications have a sedative effect, that is, they cause drowsiness. These are primarily the so-called sedatives, as well as antihistamines and sleeping pills. Ask your doctor to choose another drug with a less pronounced sedative effect.

An irresistible desire to sleep at inopportune times often arises in a stuffy room or in rainy weather. It's simple: in these cases, the atmospheric pressure decreases and the amount of oxygen decreases, which causes a decrease in brain activity. Drowsiness also occurs after a hearty lunch: blood rushes to the stomach and the brain receives less energy.

It is not difficult to cope with such drowsiness: go out into the fresh air, move a little after lunch and you will regain your vigor.

How long do I rest?

If you are constantly drowsy, this question is worth asking yourself first. Most people sleep much less than the required amount (which is 7-8 hours for an adult), but the individual need for night sleep may be even higher. It is enough to observe sleep hygiene, go to bed and get up at a certain time, avoid any emotional stress before bed - and the problem of daytime sleepiness will disappear.

Hurry to the doctor!

If you, despite a full night's sleep, still feel lethargic during the day, the cause may be illness.

Apnea

E sleep is manifested by a short-term cessation of breathing: a person snores, then silence reigns for a few seconds, breathing is interrupted - and snoring is heard again. During a pause in breathing, oxygen starvation of the brain occurs, and in order to interrupt it, it gives a signal to wake up. If this happens frequently during the night, the person does not get enough sleep and involuntarily tries to compensate for the lack of sleep during the day. A study called polysomnography will help determine the cause of apnea. To undergo it, you need to see a somnologist.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and help you be energetic. With their deficiency - hypothyroidism - metabolic processes slow down. In addition to drowsiness, dry skin, weight gain with decreased appetite, and menstrual irregularities may cause concern in this case. A blood test for thyroid hormones will help identify the disease. It is carried out after consultation with an endocrinologist.

Diabetes

According to American scientists, if a person experiences frequent daytime sleepiness, he or she should be screened for diabetes. , and reduced. In addition to apathy, this disease can cause constant thirst, itchy skin, and dizziness. Do you recognize yourself? Then you urgently need to consult an endocrinologist.

Hypotension

With a strong decrease in pressure, the blood supply to the brain decreases, and a lack of oxygen occurs. You seem to be sitting in a stuffy room, although in fact there may be plenty of air in the room. Measure your blood pressure: if it is below normal, consult a therapist.

Anemia

Leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood. It is hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the cells of all organs, including the brain. So drowsiness with a lack of iron is inevitable. In addition to this, you may be worried about weakness, dizziness, and hair loss. Get a blood test and talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements.

Depression

Drowsiness can be a unique response to difficult life circumstances. The brain, unable to cope with the problem or worries about it, begins to “slow down,” causing a sleepy state. Don’t try to “sleep through” the problem - try to solve it. If you can’t do it on your own, consult a psychologist.

When you feel the urge to take a nap during the day after an active night spent (in work or in entertainment - it doesn’t matter), this is quite natural. But if the “sleepy fly” condition hits you every day, it’s worth looking for the reason

It's all about oxygen

An irresistible desire to sleep at inopportune times often arises in a stuffy room or in rainy weather. It's simple: in these cases, the atmospheric pressure decreases and the amount of oxygen decreases, which causes a decrease in brain activity. Drowsiness also occurs after a hearty lunch: blood rushes to the stomach and the brain receives less energy.

It is not difficult to cope with such drowsiness: go out into the fresh air, move a little after lunch and you will regain your vigor.

How long do I rest?

If you are constantly drowsy, this question is worth asking yourself first. Most people sleep much less than the required amount (which is 7-8 hours for an adult), but an individual's need for nighttime sleep may be even higher. It is enough to observe sleep hygiene, go to bed and get up at a certain time, avoid any emotional stress before bed - and the problem of daytime sleepiness will disappear.

Hurry to the doctor!

If you, despite a full night's sleep, still feel lethargic during the day, the cause may be illness.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is manifested by a short-term cessation of breathing: a person snores, then silence reigns for a few seconds, breathing is interrupted - and snoring is heard again. During a pause in breathing, oxygen starvation of the brain occurs, and in order to interrupt it, it gives a signal to wake up. If this happens frequently during the night, the person does not get enough sleep and involuntarily tries to compensate for the lack of sleep during the day. A study called polysomnography will help determine the cause of apnea. To undergo it, you need to see a somnologist.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and help you be energetic. With their deficiency - hypothyroidism - metabolic processes slow down. In addition to drowsiness, dry skin, weight gain with decreased appetite, and menstrual irregularities may cause concern in this case. A blood test for thyroid hormones will help identify the disease. It is carried out after consultation with an endocrinologist.

Diabetes

According to American scientists, if a person experiences frequent daytime sleepiness, he or she should be screened for diabetes. Lethargy can be a sign of either high or low blood sugar. In addition to apathy, this disease can cause constant thirst, itchy skin, and dizziness. Do you recognize yourself? Then you urgently need to consult an endocrinologist.

Hypotension

With a strong decrease in pressure, the blood supply to the brain decreases, and a lack of oxygen occurs. You seem to be sitting in a stuffy room, although in fact there may be plenty of air in the room. Measure your blood pressure: if it is below normal, consult a therapist.

Iron deficiency in the body leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood. It is hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the cells of all organs, including the brain. So drowsiness with a lack of iron is inevitable. In addition to this, you may be worried about weakness, dizziness, and hair loss. Get a blood test and talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements.

Depression

Drowsiness can be a unique response to difficult life circumstances. The brain, unable to cope with the problem or worries about it, begins to “slow down,” causing a sleepy state. Don’t try to “sleep through” the problem – try to solve it. If you can’t do it on your own, consult a psychologist.

Some medications have a sedative effect, meaning they cause drowsiness. These are primarily so-called sedatives, as well as antihistamines and sleeping pills. Ask your doctor to choose another drug with a less pronounced sedative effect.

Weakness or loss of strength– a common and quite complex symptom, the occurrence of which depends on the influence of a number of physiological and psychological factors.

A common cause of weakness, loss of strength and chronic fatigue is cervical osteochondrosis. If:

  • you often sit at the computer;
  • you have headaches;
  • your hands go numb;
  • you are experiencing pain in your neck and shoulders.

will help you triple inflatable pillow from cervical osteochondrosis.


Weakness or loss of strength

In most cases, patients describe weakness in accordance with their individual sensations. For some, weakness is identical to severe fatigue; for others, this term refers to possible dizziness, absent-mindedness, loss of attention and lack of energy.

Thus, many medical professionals characterize weakness as subjective feelings patient, which reflect a lack of energy necessary to perform daily work and duties that the person was able to perform without problems before the onset of weakness.

Causes of weakness

Weakness is a common symptom inherent in a wide range of diseases. The exact cause of the disease can be determined by the necessary studies and tests, as well as accompanying weaknesses and other clinical manifestations.

The mechanism of weakness and its nature are determined by the cause that provoked the occurrence this symptom. The state of fatigue can arise both as a result of severe emotional, nervous or physical stress, and as a result of chronic or acute diseases and conditions. In the first case, weakness can disappear on its own without any consequences - here, good sleep and rest are enough.

Flu

Thus, a popular cause of weakness is an acute viral infectious disease accompanied by general intoxication of the body. Along with weakness, additional symptoms appear here:

  • elevated temperature;
  • photophobia;
  • pain in the head, joints and muscles;
  • intense sweating.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia

The occurrence of weakness is characteristic of another common phenomenon - vegetative-vascular dystonia, which is a whole complex of various symptoms, among which are:

  • sleep disturbance;
  • dizziness;
  • interruptions in heart function.

Rhinitis

Acquiring a chronic nature, in turn, is accompanied by swelling of the nasal mucosa, which over time leads to an effect on the pituitary gland. Under this influence, the normal functioning of the main endocrine gland involved in the area of ​​edema is disrupted. Malfunctions in the functioning of the pituitary gland lead to an imbalance in many body systems: endocrine, nervous, immune, etc.

Other causes of weakness

Sharp and severe weakness is a symptom inherent in severe poisoning, general intoxication.

U healthy person weakness may result from: brain injury, blood loss- as a result of a sharp decrease in pressure.

Women experience weakness during menstruation.

Also weakness is inherent in anemia– a disease characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin contained in red blood cells. Considering that this substance transfers oxygen from the respiratory organs to the tissues of internal organs, an insufficient amount of hemoglobin in the blood leads to oxygen starvation experienced by the body.

Constant weakness is inherent in vitamin deficiency– a disease indicating a lack of vitamins. This usually happens as a result of following strict and irrational diets, poor and monotonous nutrition.

In addition, weakness may be a symptom of the following diseases:

Chronic fatigue

Chronic fatigue is the body's protective reaction to constant overload. And not necessarily physical. Emotional stress can deplete the nervous system no less. The feeling of fatigue can be compared to a stopcock that prevents the body from pushing itself to the edge.

A number of chemical elements are responsible for the feeling of good spirits and a surge of fresh strength in our body. Let's list just a few of them:

Residents most often suffer from this disease major cities those engaged in business or other very responsible and stressful work, living in unfavorable environmental conditions, with unhealthy ambitions, constantly under stress, eating poorly and not playing sports.

Based on the above, it becomes clear why chronic fatigue has become epidemic in developed countries recently. In USA, Australia, Canada, countries Western Europe The incidence rate of chronic fatigue syndrome ranges from 10 to 40 cases per 100,000 population.

CFS - chronic fatigue syndrome

Weakness is an integral symptom of physical and mental stress. Thus, among modern people who have to be exposed to enormous stress at work, the so-called. chronic fatigue syndrome.

Anyone can develop CFS, although it is more common in women. Usually:

This condition indicates extreme depletion of the supply vitality. Weakness here arises as physical and emotional overload increases. Further, constant weakness and loss of strength are accompanied by a number of additional symptoms:

  • drowsiness;
  • irritability;
  • decreased appetite;
  • dizziness;
  • loss of concentration;
  • absent-mindedness.

Causes

  • Chronic lack of sleep.
  • Overwork.
  • Emotional stress.
  • Viral infections.
  • Situation.

Treatment

Comprehensive treatment is the main principle. One of the important conditions for treatment is also compliance with the protective regime and constant contact between the patient and the attending physician.

Today, chronic fatigue is treated using various techniques cleansing the body, special medications are administered in order to normalize the functioning of the central nervous system and brain activity, as well as to restore the functioning of the endocrine, immune and gastrointestinal systems. In addition, psychological rehabilitation plays an important role in solving this problem.

To the chronic fatigue syndrome treatment program in mandatory should include:

In addition to treatment from specialists, you can relieve fatigue with simple lifestyle tips. For example, try to regulate physical activity, balancing periods of sleep and wakefulness, do not overload yourself and do not try to do more than you can do. Otherwise, this may negatively affect the prognosis of CFS. Over time, periods of activity can be increased.

By properly managing your available resources, you will be able to do more things. To do this, you need to properly plan your schedule for the day and even a week in advance. By properly distributing things - instead of rushing to do as much as possible in a short period of time - you can make steady progress.

The following rules may also help:

  • avoid stressful situations;
  • abstain from alcohol, caffeine, sugar and sweeteners;
  • avoid any foods and drinks that cause a negative reaction in the body;
  • eat small, regular meals to relieve nausea;
  • get plenty of rest;
  • Try not to sleep for long periods of time, as sleeping too much can worsen symptoms.

Folk remedies

St. John's wort

Take 1 cup (300 ml) of boiling water and add 1 tablespoon of dry St. John's wort to it. This infusion should be infused in a warm place for 30 minutes. Directions for use: 1/3 glass three times a day, 20 minutes before meals. Duration of treatment – ​​no more than 3 weeks in a row.

Common plantain

You need to take 10 g of dry and thoroughly crushed plantain leaves and pour 300 ml of boiling water over them, leave for 30-40 minutes in a warm place. Directions for use: 2 tablespoons at a time, three times a day, half an hour before meals. Duration of treatment – ​​21 days.

Collection

Mix 2 tablespoons of oats, 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves and 2 tablespoons of tartar leaves. The resulting dry mixture is poured with 5 cups of boiling water and left for 60-90 minutes in a bowl wrapped in a terry towel. Scheme of use: by? glasses 3-4 times a day before meals. Duration of treatment – ​​15 days.

Clover

You need to take 300 grams of dried flowers red clover, 100 grams of regular sugar and a liter of warm water. Put the water on the fire, bring to a boil and add the clover, cook for 20 minutes. Then the infusion is removed from the heat, cooled and only after that the specified amount of sugar is added to it. You need to take 150 ml of clover infusion 3-4 times a day, instead of tea or coffee.

Lingonberries and strawberries

You will need 1 tablespoon of strawberry and lingonberry leaves - mix them and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Infuse the medicine in a thermos for 40 minutes, then drink a tea cup three times a day.

Aromatherapy

When you need to relax or relieve stress, drop a few drops lavender oil on a handkerchief and inhale its scent.
Smell a few drops rosemary oil, applied to a handkerchief when you feel mentally and physically tired (but not in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy).
For chronic fatigue, take a relaxing warm bath, adding two drops each of geranium, lavender and sandalwood oil and one drop of ylang-ylang to the water.
To lift your spirits when you're depressed, inhale the scent every morning and evening. oil mixtures, applied to a handkerchief. To prepare it, mix 20 drops of clary sage oil and 10 drops each of rose oil and basil oil. Do not use sage and basil oils during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Flower essences are intended to relieve mental disorders and relieve stress in the emotional sphere. These are especially helpful if you are depressed or have lost interest in life:

  • clematis (clematis): to be more energetic;
  • olive: for all types of stress;
  • rosehip: for apathy;
  • willow: if you are burdened by the lifestyle restrictions imposed by the disease.

Symptoms of weakness

Weakness is characterized by a decline in physical and nervous forces. She is characterized by apathy and loss of interest in life.

Weakness caused by the development of acute infectious diseases occurs suddenly. Its increase is directly related to the rate of development of the infection and the resulting intoxication of the body.

The nature of the appearance of weakness in a healthy person as a result of severe physical or nervous strain is associated with the amount of overload. Typically, in this case, signs of weakness appear gradually, accompanied by loss of interest in the work being done, fatigue, loss of concentration and absent-mindedness.

Weakness caused by prolonged fasting or following a strict diet is of approximately the same nature. Along with specified symptom appear and external signs vitamin deficiency:

  • pale skin;
  • increased brittleness of nails;
  • dizziness;
  • hair loss, etc.

Treatment of weakness

Treatment of weakness should be based on eliminating the factor that provoked its appearance.

In the case of infectious diseases, the root cause is the action of an infectious agent. Here they apply appropriate drug therapy, supported by the necessary measures aimed at increasing immunity.

In a healthy person, weakness resulting from overwork eliminates itself. Basic control measures - good sleep and rest.

In the treatment of weakness caused by overwork, nervous overstrain, it is of great importance restoration of nervous strength and increased stability of the nervous system. To this end curative measures are aimed, first of all, at normalizing the work and rest regime, eliminating negative, irritating factors. Effective use of funds herbal medicine, massage.

In some cases, eliminating weakness will require diet correction, introducing into it foods rich in vitamins and essential microelements.

Which doctors should you contact if you feel weak and exhausted?

Questions and answers on the topic "Weakness"

Question:Hello, I am 19 years old, I study at a university. The diagnosis was previously made of VSD. Weakness appeared after I had ARVI. But the weakness goes away as soon as I manage to distract myself from it (walking with friends, watching movies). Also, weakness is accompanied by nausea, back pain above the lower back (I have a sedentary job, so I think it’s because of this), as well anxiety. In principle, this does not distract me, but as soon as I start to think about my condition and listen to my body, it immediately becomes much worse. Now I'm taking vitamins, no improvement. What's the matter? Should I go get tested? Or is it all about emotional overload? Thanks for the answer.

Answer: Weakness combined with nausea and back pain is an obvious reason to get tested.

Question:Hello! I am 48 years old, I work physically on a 2/2 schedule. For about a month now I have been feeling very tired, even a 2-day weekend does not bring me back to normal. In the morning I get up with difficulty, there is no feeling, then I slept and rested. I haven't had my period for 5 months now.

Answer: If you have not had a period for 5 months, you need to pay attention to the following factors: physical activity; nervous overstrain; eating disorders; strict diets. In addition, a face-to-face consultation with a gynecologist (cysts, fibroids, infections of the genitourinary system) and an endocrinologist (diabetes mellitus; abnormalities) is necessary. endocrine system; problems with the adrenal glands). There may be problems with hormone balance. To check this you need to donate blood. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe hormone therapy.

Question:Hello! I am 33 years old and I (female) have neck pain and weakness.

Answer: Possibly osteochondrosis, you need an in-person consultation with a neurologist.

Question:Hello! When I have pain from osteochondrosis, my epigastric region hurts, maybe there is some connection!

Answer: With osteochondrosis in the middle or lower thoracic regions spine, there may be pain in the epigastric region and in the abdomen. They are often mistaken for symptoms of diseases of the stomach or pancreas, gallbladder or intestines.

Question:weakness pain in the right shoulder blade from the shoulder nothing to eat I don’t want what’s wrong with me

Answer: There can be many causes of pain in the right shoulder blade. We recommend that you consult a therapist in person.

Question:Hello! I am 30 years old, I had tuberculosis, but the weakness remained, it even got worse. Tell me what to do, it’s impossible to live!

Answer: Side effects of using anti-tuberculosis drugs include muscle, joint, headaches, weakness, apathy, and lack of appetite. Recovery from tuberculosis consists of following a daily routine, establishing nutrition and proper physical activity.

Question:Hello, please tell me which doctor should I consult: I have been suffering from pain for 4-5 months, complete apathy, absent-mindedness, lately pain behind the ears, I have to take painkillers. The tests are normal. I go on IV drips because of headaches. What could it be?

Answer: Pain behind the ears: ENT (otitis), neurologist (osteochondrosis).

Question:Hello! I am 31 years old, female. I constantly feel weak, lack of strength, lack of sleep, and apathy. I’m often cold and can’t get warm under the covers for a long time. It’s hard for me to wake up, I want to sleep during the day.

Answer: Expanded general analysis blood, anemia must be ruled out. Check your blood for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Monitor your blood pressure for several days to see if there is a decrease in pressure. Consult a neurologist: circulatory disorders in the vessels of the spine and brain.

Question:The man is 63 years old. ESR 52mm/s. They checked the lungs - they were clean, chronic bronchitis is typical for a smoker. Tired in the morning, weak in the legs. The therapist prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis. Which doctor should I contact?

Answer: High POPs may be associated with chronic bronchitis smoker Common reasons weaknesses: anemia (blood test) and thyroid disease (endocrinologist), but it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination.

Question:Hello! I am a 50-year-old woman, in September 2017 I suffered from iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin increased in January 2018, weakness persists, it’s still difficult to walk, my legs hurt, I checked everything, B12 is normal, MRI of the brain and spinal cord, ultrasound of all organs, blood vessels lower extremities, all I’m normal, ENMG is normal, but I can barely walk, what could it be?

Answer: If the cause of anemia is not eliminated, it may recur. In addition, your thyroid gland should be checked.

Question:Hello, my name is Alexandra, two years ago after giving birth, I was discharged from the hospital with diagnoses of second-degree anemia and sinus arrhythmia. Today I feel very bad, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, constant stress, nerves, depression, pain in the heart, sometimes my hands go numb, sometimes I faint, my head is heavy, I can’t work, I can’t lead a normal life... two children don’t have the strength to go out with them... please tell me what to do and what to do...

Answer: Get examined, starting with a therapist. Both anemia and sinus arrhythmia may be contributing factors to your condition.

Question:Good afternoon I am 55 years old. I have heavy sweating, weakness, fatigue. I have hepatitis C, doctors say it is not active. A fist-sized ball is felt in the right side under the liver. I feel very bad, I often visit doctors, but to no avail. What to do? They send me for a paid examination, but there is no money, they don’t want to hospitalize me, they say that I’m still breathing, I haven’t fallen yet.

Answer: Hello. Complaints about poor quality medical care - Ministry of Health hotline: 8 800 200-03-89.

Question:I have been going to doctors for 14 years. I have no strength, constant weakness, my legs feel weak, I want and want to sleep. Thyroid is normal, hemoglobin is low. They picked him up, but didn’t find why. Sugar is normal, but sweat pours out like hail. I have no strength, I can lie all day. Help, advise what to do.

Answer: Hello. Have you consulted a cardiologist?

Question:Good afternoon Please tell me, I have cervical chondrosis, it often hurts in the back of the head and radiates to frontal part, especially when I cough in the frontal part it gives off pain. I'm scared that it could be cancer, God forbid. Thank you!

Answer: Hello. This is a manifestation of cervical chondrosis.

Question:Hello! Severe weakness, especially in the legs and arms, appeared suddenly, there are no headaches, there is anxiety and excitement. I had an endocrinologist, a therapist, a cardiologist, an ultrasound abdominal cavity I did it, took injections, but the condition is the same: then a strong heaviness appears in the whole body, then it goes away. Thank you!

Answer: Hello. If the endocrinologist, therapist and cardiologist did not find anything, then all that remains is to consult a neurologist to rule out circulatory disorders in the vessels of the spine and brain. If weakness appears due to stress or depression, see a psychotherapist.

Question:In the morning there is severe weakness, lack of appetite, everything shakes inside, the head seems to be in a fog, vision becomes distracted, there is no concentration, fear, depression about one’s condition.

Answer: Hello. There can be many reasons; you need to check your thyroid gland, hemoglobin and consult a neurologist and psychotherapist.

Question:Hello, for about 2 weeks I have been feeling weak in the evening, nausea, I don’t want to eat, and indifference to life. Tell me, what could it be?

Answer: Hello. There can be many reasons; you need to consult a therapist in person, who will refer you for examination.

Question:Hello, I’m 49, I’m doing fitness, working on my legs, but lately I’ve been losing strength and feeling dizzy. I sleep at least 8 hours, my hemoglobin is normal, I checked my thyroid, I take magnesium as prescribed, my blood pressure is low (all my life). Please advise what else needs to be checked.

Answer: Hello. You need an in-person consultation with a neurologist about dizziness.

Question:Hello, age 25, female, severe weakness, dizziness, apathy for about a month, constantly want to sleep, no appetite. Tell me what to do?

Answer: Hello. If this occurs while taking medications, you should discuss this with your doctor; if not, you need an in-person consultation with a neurologist (dizziness).

Question:Hello, I have constant weakness in general, I can’t live normally, problems have started with my back and my life is downhill, I’m afraid that I won’t find a solution to the problem and I don’t know how to solve it, can you recommend anything? I am very excited, I live in fear, I am 20 years old, I am afraid of going crazy.

Answer: Hello. Constant weakness is a symptom of many diseases and conditions. You need to conduct an examination - take blood tests: general, biochemical, thyroid hormones and go to an in-person appointment with a therapist and psychologist.

Question:Hello! I am 22 years old. I've been feeling dizzy for about 4 days now. And it can be hard to breathe and due to all this I feel weak and tired. A week ago, for two days after a hard weekend, my nose was bleeding. Can you tell me what could be causing these problems? Thanks for the answer.

Answer: It is possible that you are overtired. Please tell me, have you recently had situations when you slept poorly and little, or spent too much time at the computer? The symptoms you described may be due to increased blood pressure or intracranial hypertension. I recommend that you do an M-ECHO, EEG and consult a neurologist.

Question:For 3 months the temperature has been around 37, dry mouth, fatigue. Blood and urine tests are normal. Lately I have been suffering from sore throat frequently and have been treated with antibiotics.

Answer: This temperature is not considered elevated and, in the absence of complaints, does not require treatment, but if you are concerned about fatigue or dry mouth, you must undergo a series of examinations. I recommend that you do a bacteriological test (throat culture), a blood test for sugar, and a test for thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies to TPO), since these symptoms can be a manifestation of many diseases. I also recommend that you do such a study, an immunogram, and visit an immunologist in person.

Question:Hello, I am 34 years old, female, for about 3 years I have had constant weakness, shortness of breath, and sometimes my arms and legs swell. There is no pain anywhere, dizziness is rare, gynecologically everything is fine, blood pressure is normal, only sometimes there is a temperature of 37.5 and higher, without a cold, just like that. But the weakness has been getting worse lately, especially after sleep, and lately I can’t cure an acute respiratory infection or cold in any way; I’ve been coughing for a month or more (not strong). I won’t go to the doctors about this, I want to ask about it here. Is this chronic fatigue syndrome? And is there any way to get rid of this?

Answer: I advise you to undergo a comprehensive examination without fail, go to a clinic for autonomic disorders or to some psychosomatic clinic, where you will definitely be prescribed consultations with all specialists (psychiatrist, neurologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist). After the examination, the doctors will make a decision about you. Psychotherapy is mandatory in any case!

Question:Hello! I am 19 years old. Over the past week I have been feeling unwell. The stomach hurts, sometimes it radiates to the lower back, and sometimes there is mild nausea. Fatigue, loss of appetite (or rather, sometimes I want to eat, but when I look at the food I feel nauseous), weakness. What could this be connected with? My blood pressure is always low and I have problems with the thyroid gland.

Answer: Perform a blood test, urine test, and a gynecological examination.

Question:Hello. I’m 22, and at work in the office I suddenly became ill. She felt dizzy and almost lost consciousness. No fever, cough, or runny nose. Not cold condition. This didn't happen before. And I still feel weak. Lately I have noticed a tired state, after work I fall off my feet, although I work for 8 hours, not physically. I exclude pregnancy, because... I was menstruating. What tests would you recommend to take to determine what’s wrong?

Answer: Hello! Take a comprehensive blood test to rule out anemia first. Test your blood for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on any day of your cycle. Monitor your blood pressure for several days to see if there is a decrease in pressure. If nothing comes to light, then additionally consult a neurologist to rule out circulatory disorders in the vessels of the spine and brain.



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