Brain Fog

“Brain fog” refers to several symptoms that affect your ability to think clearly, concentrate, remember things, focus, and pay attention. Brain fog can occur for many different reasons, including a lack of quality sleep, stress, anxiety, or depression, and in some cases it can be related to an illness or a medication side effect. It is very common and usually temporary, and fortunately there are healthy ways to manage and/or clear the fog. 

 

Nearly everyone has experienced the symptoms of brain fog at one time or another. The name reflects the idea that the mind is being “clouded”—brain fog can feel like that—but in essence the symptoms represent some degree of cognitive impairment. Usually these symptoms are temporary, and the fog lifts after a few days or weeks, but it can last longer, especially if it’s due to some other underlying condition. 

People who experience brain fog typically report one or more of the following symptoms, though these can vary from person to person: 

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Trouble paying attention
• Fatigue
• Mental exhaustion
• Forgetfulness
• Confusion
• Losing your train of thought
• Difficulty finding the right words to express your thoughts
• Slower thought processing and reaction time

Because the term “brain fog” encompasses many different symptoms that can arise for many different reasons, it’s being used here in a broad and informal sense. As the authors of a study published in the journal Trends in Neuroscience point out, there are arguments for developing a standardized set of measures and more specific terminology to differentiate versions of brain fog as it relates to separate biological or psychological causes. But for practical purposes, we can consider brain fog to be a general set of common symptoms. 

There are several reasons why a person might experience brain fog, which range from simply not getting enough good-quality sleep to more serious underlying illnesses or conditions. 

Lifestyle Factors

• Insomnia or poor-quality sleep
• High stress
• Poor nutrition
• Dehydration
• Drug or alcohol use
• Jet lag
• Excessive screen time

Environmental Factors

• Extreme heat
• Exposure to cold
• Air pollution

Illnesses and Conditions

• COVID-19 infection (long COVID)
• Migraines
• Lyme disease
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety
• Neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder
• Autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, and multiple sclerosis

Medications Side Effects

• Anti-cholinergic drugs, including common over-the-counter sleep aids
• Older antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.)
• Medications for urinary symptoms, like oxybutynin (Ditropan, etc.)
• Some older antidepressants, like amitriptyline

In addition, neuroinflammation (the brain’s immune response to disease or injury) and chemotherapy treatment for cancer can lead to symptoms of brain fog. In the case of COVID-19, the virus continues living in the digestive tract after symptoms clear up, and there it alters the gut’s microbiome. This has the effect of reducing how much serotonin the body produces, which can lead to brain fog symptoms. COVID vaccines offer protection not only from this serious viral infection but also from the related symptoms of brain fog that can occur later. 

Brain fog can also occur as an effect of natural aging. Older adults may experience it occasionally, even if they are otherwise healthy. 

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for brain fog. In most cases, the fog should “lift” after a few days or weeks. But it’s possible that brain fog could last months or years.

If you’re still feeling symptoms after several weeks, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, especially if brain fog is interfering with your quality of life.

Boosting your immune system by practicing healthy lifestyle habits is a helpful way to reduce or prevent brain fog. Detroit Medical Center recommends the following five best practices that can help clear the fog: 

1. Prioritize rest, especially when managing conditions like COVID or cancer.
2. Maintain healthy habits, such as engaging socially, eating well, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
3. Get daily physical activity—even short, brisk walks help enhance alertness and cognitive function.
4. Manage stress through regular exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Consult with professionals if needed.
5. Monitor sleep and general health. Try to improve your quality of rest by practicing good sleep habits such as maintaining consistent sleep routines. Also, keep an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure and try to keep them at healthy levels.

To deal with the effects of brain fog in the moment, doctors recommend writing down important information if you’re having problems remembering details. If possible, it’s also a good idea to take short breaks throughout the day to avoid overworking your brain. Additionally, psychotherapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to help you learn psychological techniques to manage brain fog symptoms. If these approaches are not effective, doctors might prescribe antidepressants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat brain fog symptoms, though they should also ensure that patients understand the possible side effects of these medications and know what to do if they occur. 

What is brain fog, and what does brain fog mean?

Brain fog refers to symptoms that can affect memory, focus, concentration, and mental clarity. It is not a diagnosis itself, but a term used to describe how these symptoms feel. People who experience brain fog sometimes describe it as feeling mentally unclear, unfocused, or slowed down.

What are brain fog symptoms?

Brain fog symptoms may include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, confusion, difficulty finding words, mental fatigue, and reduced focus.

What are examples of brain fog?

Brain fog examples may include forgetting why you entered a room, losing your train of thought, struggling to focus at work or school, or needing extra time to process information.

What are the causes of brain fog?

Causes of brain fog can include poor sleep, stress, illness, medications, hormonal changes, nutritional issues, and underlying health conditions.

Is brain fog normal?

Brain fog can happen occasionally, especially during stress, illness, or lack of sleep. If it is severe, persistent, or affecting daily life, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

How do I get rid of brain fog?

Clearing brain fog often starts with identifying possible triggers such as poor sleep, stress, dehydration, medication side effects, or an underlying condition. Improving sleep, hydration, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and overall health may help reduce brain fog symptoms. If you are experiencing severe, persistent brain fog you should consider speaking with a healthcare provider.

 

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