NEWS

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

Every year, at the start of the academic year, many people face this common phenomenon: persistent fatigue, a feeling of low energy, sometimes accompanied by difficulty concentrating or irritability.
Overall, the transition between vacation and school or work disrupts the sleep-wake cycle and changes in lifestyle (schedules, diet, stress), leading to diffuse but distressing symptoms.
This period is also an opportunity to strengthen preventative healthcare measures: the start of the academic year represents a strategic time to conduct a preventative health check-up.

What if it wasn't fatigue?

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

Disruption of the circadian rhythm: variable bedtimes and wake-up times during holidays cause a biological shift that is difficult to correct immediately.
Stress of returning to work: 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 impairment), warrants a thorough diagnostic investigation: anemia, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders, chronic stress…

Who does this concern?

Everyone.

In Switzerland, the FMH (Swiss Medical Association) and the FOPH (Federal Office of Public Health) emphasize the importance of regular health checkups, particularly around seasonal or life transitions, to prevent silent diseases and detect early signs of illness. Although specific recommendations do not explicitly mention the return to school or work, a focus on vigilance and prevention is central. Specialized leagues (pulmonary, cardiological, etc.) also encourage targeted assessments based on risk factors.

Recent sources show that:

In Switzerland, two-thirds of assistant physicians and clinical heads report frequently feeling tired, due to high workloads (more than 50 hours/week for half of them).
At the international level, disorders related to stress and chronic fatigue increase long-term morbidity, including cardiovascular, metabolic or psychiatric.
According to Aspera Medical, the start of the academic year in September is the ideal time to have a health check-up : medical availability, boosting of 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 specifically originate from 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.
Data from Inserm , highlighting that fatigue can be an early sign of metabolic or cardiovascular pathologies.
The experience of Aspera Medical , which offers a structured back-to-school assessment, with interview, targeted blood test, analysis of fatigue and sleep, 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 cases of suspected autonomous or nodular pathologies.
Brain MRI if neurological signs (headaches, visual or cognitive disorders) appear.
Chest imaging (CT scan or X-ray) is available for persistent respiratory symptoms or after infection (e.g., post-COVID).
Abdominal ultrasound if digestive or hepatic pathologies are suspected.

Integrating functional or AI-assisted into CID enables more precise detection, faster reading, and enhanced interpretation. Artificial intelligence can help prioritize analyses, detect subtle anomalies, and suggest follow-up actions.

The contribution of artificial intelligence to imaging

AI in medical imaging improves:

Diagnostic accuracy , through the detection of minor anomalies that are sometimes difficult to spot.
The speed of interpretation allows for a faster return to the patient and their doctor.
Preliminary image filtering to prioritize urgent cases (thyroid incidentalomas, brain abnormalities).

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

Illustrative clinical case

(detailed teaching scenario)

Ms. B., 45, an executive in Lausanne, returned to work in September. After two weeks, she complained of persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, waking up during the night, and unusual irritability. Her sleep pattern had been disrupted during her vacation.

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

Blood tests: reveal iron deficiency and subclinical hypothyroidism .
A thyroid ultrasound shows a benign inflammatory nodule.
Imaging is not required beyond ultrasound.

Treatment included iron and thyroxine supplementation, advice for a gradual return to a stable lifestyle (rhythm, sleep, diet), and a follow-up appointment at 3 months. Ms. B. gradually regained 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 factors of the CID Lausanne

Advanced imaging technologies , with AI for increased accuracy and fast rendering.
Holistic approach : from biological assessment to imaging, including personalized follow-up.
Expertise , medical rigor, interdisciplinary coordination, respect for FMH and FOPH recommendations.
Availability and flexibility of consultation , ideal for transitions such as back-to-school.
Comprehensive patient support , with tailored recommendations, human follow-up and a smooth journey.

FAQ

Why am I so tired after the holidays?

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

How long does post-vacation fatigue last?

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

When should you consult a doctor?

When fatigue persists for more than 2-3 weeks, is accompanied by associated symptoms (sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, loss of performance), or when 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 return to work or school? Don't wait for the symptoms to worsen: schedule a preventative health check-up at CID Lausanne now. Our team is here to help.

Make an appointment