Chronic poor sleep and ongoing high stress can genuinely cause muscle loss, fluid retention, fatigue and breathlessness. This often happens through disrupted cortisol and
thyroid function, and it is usually reversible once sleep and stress improve.
Next Steps
Ask a general physician for
thyroid, cortisol and a basic metabolic blood panel to find out what is driving these changes. Since the ongoing family conflict is affecting your sleep and health, please also speak with a counselor or doctor about that side of things.
Health Tips
See a doctor soon if the breathlessness gets worse, your legs start swelling, or you feel faint.