“Rest recharges my energy”; experiences and perceptions of rest in adults with long-term conditions and fatigue in rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Purpose
To explore and understand the experiences and perceptions of rest among adults experiencing fatigue alongside a long-term condition (LTC) and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods
This qualitative study used convenience and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 adults with LTCs experiencing fatigue and four HCPs. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis with inductive approach.

Results
Four themes were identified: (1) operationalisation of rest, (2) rest as a practiced skill, (3) rest as a tool for optimising functioning, and (4) barriers. Both participants with lived experience and HCPs viewed rest as reducing activities, connecting with nature, and disengaging from responsibilities. Both groups valued rest for managing energy, symptoms, and activities. Barriers included impact of expectations on persons with LTC, environmental, and interpersonal factors, as well as responsibilities and lack of resting skills. Lived-experience participants noted physical symptoms, while HCPs highlighted “all-or-nothing” thinking as a significant barrier

Conclusion
Rest in chronic fatigue management involved reducing activity, restorative practices, connecting with nature, and disengaging from responsibilities. Identifying truly restorative activities was challenging. Both adults with LTC and HCPs recognised effective rest as a strategic tool for energy management, symptom control, and activity participation.