The Link Between Energy-Related Sensations and Metabolism: Implications for Treating Fatigue

Abstract

Energy-related sensations include sensation of energy and fatigue as well as subjective energizability and fatigability. First, we introduce interdisciplinary useful definitions of all constructs and review findings regarding the question of whether sensations of fatigue and energy are two separate constructs or two ends of a single dimension. Second, we describe different components of the bodily energy metabolism system (e.g., mitochondria; autonomic nervous system). Third, we review the link between sensation of fatigue and different components of energy metabolism. Finally, we present an overview of different treatments shown to affect both energy-related sensations and metabolism before outlining future research perspectives.

Screening System of Cannabis sativa Extracts Based on Their Mitochondrial Safety Profile Using Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity as a Biomarker

“…Direct actions of cannabinoids on respiratory complexes have been described [ 35 ] independently of their action on mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors [ 22 ]. In particular, several studies have reported specific actions of THC and CBD on mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, ROS production and cellular integrity, promoting toxicological effects in certain cells that may be potentially relevant for clinical populations [ 36 ].…”

Effects of serotonergic psychedelics on mitochondria: Transdiagnostic implications for mitochondria-related pathologies

“…These higher-order sensations are composed of many lower-level sensations such as visual, auditory, olfactory or bodily experiences (Nummenmaa et al, 2018). Energy-related sensations include the sensation of fatigue (synonyms: exhaustion, weariness) and of energy (synonyms: vigour, vitality) (Filippi et al, 2022). These sensations can refer to different domains, such as physical, cognitive, emotional, social, motivational and sexual fatigue or energy sensations (Filippi et al, 2022).…”

“…Energy-related sensations include the sensation of fatigue (synonyms: exhaustion, weariness) and of energy (synonyms: vigour, vitality) (Filippi et al, 2022). These sensations can refer to different domains, such as physical, cognitive, emotional, social, motivational and sexual fatigue or energy sensations (Filippi et al, 2022). Importantly, mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial bioenergetics underlie the sensation of energy and fatigue (Filippi et al, 2022; Filler et al, 2014; Karabatsiakis et al, 2014).…”

“…In addition, Orłowski et al (2022) found increased positive emotional reactivity and reduced negative emotional reactivity in people using psychedelics. As positive affect is highly related to increased energy sensations and negative affect to fatigue sensations (Hinz et al, 2012), this finding hints to a higher energizability and lower fatigability through psychedelics (Filippi et al, 2022). Taken together, initial evidence suggests that energy-related sensations benefit from psychedelics (increased sensation of energy and reduced sensation of fatigue) and that energy-related sensations are a phenomenological correlate of mitochondrial bioenergetics (Filippi et al, 2022).…”

“…Future studies should investigate these long-term effects. Effects of psychedelics on energy-related sensations – a phenomenological correlate of mitochondrial bioenergetics (Filippi et al, 2022) – are sparsely investigated. First evidence hints to an afterglow period with reductions in sensations of fatigue and increases in sensations of energy but more research is needed.…”