Published on: 4/28/2025
Your persistent brain fog could be linked to chronic pain, thyroid issues, and lifestyle factors like poor sleep, stress, diet, and gut health.
Brain fog means feeling like your thoughts are cloudy or slow, and it can stem from several causes. For instance, people with long-lasting pain sometimes have brain fog because the pain can make it hard to think clearly. Your thyroid is an important gland that helps control energy levels, and if it isn’t working well (as in hypothyroidism), you might feel foggy. In addition, the food you eat, the amount and quality of sleep you get, and how you feel emotionally can all affect your brain. A focus on a healthy diet and good sleep habits might help clear your mind. Some people also notice that gastrointestinal issues or stress can add to the foggy feeling. By understanding these factors, you can work with a doctor to see which ones might be causing your brain fog and choose steps to help you feel better.
(References)
Dass R, Kalia M, Harris J, Packham T. Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review. Can J Pain. 2023 Jul 10;7(1):2217865. doi: 10.1080/24740527.2023.2217865. PMID: 37441085; PMCID: PMC10334862
Altinsoy C, Dikmen D. How Are Brain Fog Symptoms Related to Diet, Sleep, Mood and Gastrointestinal Health? A Cross-Sectional Study. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Feb 15;61(2):344. doi: 10.3390/medicina61020344. PMID: 40005460; PMCID: PMC11857395.
Samuels MH, Bernstein LJ. Brain Fog in Hypothyroidism: What Is It, How Is It Measured, and What Can Be Done About It. Thyroid. 2022 Jul;32(7):752-763. doi: 10.1089/thy.2022.0139. Epub 2022 May 5. PMID: 35414261; PMCID: PMC9469742.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.