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For instance, fatigue might limit what a person feels able to do during the day. Some energy conservation techniques may help minimize exhaustion. A person can try a range of strategies, from simplifying home tasks to taking steps to improve sleep hygiene. This article discusses ways in which a person can conserve energy and explains how this can help those with MS and fatigue. What is energy conservation Share on PinterestLuis Alvarez/Getty ImagesBy exerting less energy when performing specific tasks, a person may experience more consistent periods of higher energy throughout the day. For example, a 2016 study looked at fatigue among breast cancer survivors and found that making small, day-to-day changes helped decrease this symptom. The changes included:wearing clothing and shoes that were comfortable and easy to put on and take offdoing one thing at a timetaking small breaksusing a supportive chair with back and arm rests About MS The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that MS is a lifelong condition involving symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It is more common in females than males, but males tend to have a less positive outlook. MS primarily affects the brain and spinal cord, so the symptoms are generally related to the eyes, arm and leg movement, and balance. Individuals can experience intermittent or continuous symptoms, depending on the MS type. In some cases, the symptoms can worsen over time. Possible symptoms include:fatiguedifficulty walkingblurred visionlack of bladder controlnumbness or tinglingmuscle spasms or stiffnessimbalancelack of coordination Even if those living with MS have a regular sleep routine, experiencing the above symptoms alone may tire a person. The effects of this may include concentration difficulties and muddled thoughts. How do energy conservation techniques help with MS According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), energy conservation techniques can help a person by:reducing body temperature, which, in turn, reduces fatiguesimplifying home tasks, such as by using a dishwasheroptimizing tasks, such as batch cooking or collecting all ingredients at one timeimproving sleep hygienebuilding endurance through exercise Energy conservation techniques The Multiple Sclerosis Society lists 10 techniques that can help people conserve energy. These include:Using a diary: People can use a diary to list their daily activities and rate their level of fatigue at different times during the day. This can help pinpoint some factors, such as types of food or activity, that increase or decrease overall tiredness.Prioritization: The deliberate prioritization of tasks and relationships can help a person better manage their time. For example, they may benefit from doing more intensive tasks during certain times of the day when they feel stronger, such as in the morning or after a mindfulness or relaxation session.Exercise: The MS Society notes that there is strong evidence to suggest that exercise can help improve fitness, strength, and mood. People will respond differently to different forms of exercise, so speaking with a physical therapist may help identify the best type for each person.Frequent rest: Power naps, sleeping before going out in the evening or after work, meditation, and yoga can help a person regain energy later in the day. It is important for people with MS to let others in the household know that they should not disturb them during this time. Other techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), body positioning, and task splitting, may also help. Medication Some people with symptoms of fatigue may wish to consider talking with a doctor, who may prescribe methylphenidate, modafinil, or amantadine. However, in a 2021 placebo-controlled trial, these medications proved no more effective than a placebo for the treatment of fatigue in people with MS. Energy conservation tips The MSAA offers some practical tips for energy conservation. The organization advises people to try:organizing their clothing in boxes, trays, and easy-to-reach placessitting down to do some tasks, such as ironing or washing dishespreparing double food portions for easy reheatinglimiting the number of laundry loads per dayusing handlebars around the home to help with stability and leveragekeeping supplies close to the bath or showerusing easy clothing fasteners, such as velcrohaving good lighting and ventilationusing air conditioning to cool the body slowlywearing light, cooling clothing, such as vests and wrapsusing online grocery shops that deliver to the person’s homeworking from home, if possibledelegating intensive tasks to those who offer at-home support, such as friends or family How effective is energy conservation There is currently little evidence to support the efficacy of energy conservation techniques in people with MS. A 2017 study divided 86 participants into two groups. The first group took part in energy conservation management, while the other received only take-home information. The study found no difference in the results between the two groups. However, a 2019 study used a scoring process to determine the changes in fatigue before and after an energy conservation treatment program. It found that those with a less negative perception of fatigue and a higher level of social support had the best response to the treatment, meaning that a person’s outlook may affect the effectiveness of treatment. Summary MS is often a complex condition to manage, particularly if the symptoms worsen over time. In many cases, people with MS experience some level of daily fatigue. Energy conservation techniques, such as yoga, task prioritization, and keeping the body cool, may help reduce fatigue and stress, allowing individuals with MS to retain independence and enjoy their daily routine. If necessary, a doctor can prescribe medications for alleviating fatigue, but there is currently no clear evidence to support their efficacy. It is also important for people with MS to reach out to healthcare professionals, family members, and close friends for support. Last medically reviewed on June 30, 2022Multiple SclerosisNeurology / NeuroscienceMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Stefano Iavarone and Faye Stewart on June 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageMultiple sclerosis: What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, MD Multiple sclerosis is a long-term disease that attacks the central nervous system. Learn more about MS here. 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