Post-Exertional Malaise

PEM is a delayed crash, occurring hours or even days after minimal exertion - physical, cognitive, or emotional - and is characterised by a worsening of multiple systems, not just fatigue.

The hallmark of PEM is that it is out of proportion to the activity that caused it and can take days or weeks to resolve. It reflects intrinsic biological dysfunction, rather than simple deconditioning.

Rest does not immediately reverse it, and “pushing through” often leads to a deeper, more prolonged crash.

»»» PEM demands strict pacing «««