Overview
What is brain fog?
Brain fog can affect anyone. A busy hospital administrator, a medical resident after a string of night shifts, or an entrepreneur juggling meetings across multiple time zones it doesn’t discriminate. While the causes vary, the result is often the same: reduced productivity, slower thinking, and frustration that can spill into both personal and professional life.
What does brain fog feel like?
Imagine walking into a room to do something important… only to completely forget what it was the moment you arrive. Or reading the same paragraph in a report three times because it just isn’t sticking. Brain fog can feel like mental cloudiness, where thoughts take longer to form and concentration slips away easily. It might be accompanied by forgetfulness, lack of mental energy, or a sense of being detached from your surroundings. For some, it’s a fleeting nuisance; for others, it’s a persistent obstacle.
Possible Causes
What causes brain fog?
Brain fog can stem from a range of underlying factors. Poor sleep is one of the most common triggers especially when rest is cut short by shift work, travel, or environmental noise. Nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin B12 or iron, can impair cognitive function. Chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, which over time can reduce the brain’s efficiency.
Medical conditions like depression, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases may also cause brain fog. Post-viral fatigue particularly noted in some COVID-19 recovery cases has brought renewed attention to this symptom globally, including in African healthcare settings. Even certain medications can slow mental sharpness as a side effect.
Care and Treatment
How do I get rid of brain fog?
The first step is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. If sleep is the issue, improving sleep hygiene such as keeping a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed can make a noticeable difference. Balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, and regular exercise support overall brain health.
Stress management is crucial. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or even short, restorative breaks during work can help reset mental clarity. If brain fog is linked to a medical condition or medication, a healthcare provider can adjust treatment to reduce its impact.
How long does brain fog last?
The duration varies widely. For some, brain fog lifts within hours or days once rest, nutrition, or hydration are restored. In cases linked to chronic illness, recovery may take weeks or even months. Persistent brain fog should always prompt medical evaluation, as it could indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
Can brain fog be prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, many can be reduced through proactive habits. Regular sleep, a diet rich in whole foods, and mental stimulation through reading or problem-solving keep the brain engaged and resilient. Staying socially connected whether through community gatherings in Addis Ababa or professional networks in Cape Town can also protect cognitive health.
When To Call the Doctor
When should brain fog be treated by a healthcare provider?
If brain fog appears suddenly, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe headaches, memory loss, or changes in behavior, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Any brain fog interfering significantly with work performance or daily responsibilities also warrants professional evaluation. In some cases, prompt intervention can prevent further decline and restore clarity.
FAQ
Where does brain fog come from ? Brain fog comes from a variety of factors, including poor sleep, chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders or depression. It can also develop after illnesses, such as viral infections, that temporarily affect brain function.
How brain fog feels like ? It feels like mental cloudiness, slower thinking, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. People often describe it as having a “mental haze” that makes even simple tasks harder to complete.
Published 24th August 2025
References
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Cleveland Clinic. Brain Fog. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/brain-fog
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Healthdirect Australia. Brain Fog. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/brain-fog