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

To explore and understand the experiences and perceptions of rest among adults experiencing fatigue alongside a long-term condition (LTC) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). 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. 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 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. Rest is an important component for effectively managing fatigue and optimising activity levels in rehabilitation.Rest is a skill that requires practice and experimentation and viewing it as restorative rather than merely inactivity can help patients embrace it as a valuable tool for well-being in rehabilitation.Our findings highlight the need to prioritise restorative rest alongside physical activity in fatigue management and interventions like activity pacing. Rest is an important component for effectively managing fatigue and optimising activity levels in rehabilitation. Rest is a skill that requires practice and experimentation and viewing it as restorative rather than merely inactivity can help patients embrace it as a valuable tool for well-being in rehabilitation. Our findings highlight the need to prioritise restorative rest alongside physical activity in fatigue management and interventions like activity pacing.