Stress exhaustion is a combination of physical and emotional exhaustion which is the result of prolonged high stress situations. Combined with lack of rest, stress exhaustion can be highly debilitating. People who suffer from stress exhaustion feel overwhelmed by the events around them. Many also experience feelings of frustration and helplessness. If not addressed, stress exhaustion can lead to additional health problems.

Stress exhaustion affects the immune system, the body's first line of defense against illness. High amounts of stress release hormones which depress the immune system. In the short term, this may not have a detrimental effect. In the long term, however, the immune system will be compromised by these hormones. Stress exhaustion has been linked with depression, heart disease, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Stress exhaustion also affects work performance. Making the right decision can be very difficult for an individual who is suffering from stress exhaustion. In the corporate world, stress exhaustion is often referred to as burnout. Some high pressure work environments do not make sufficient allowances for stress exhaustion, making it difficult for workers to communicate their needs.

Stress exhaustion can happen to individuals of all ages, classes, and occupations. In the case of students, high intensity schoolwork combined with working long hours can be dangerous. Housewives often juggle a wide variety of stressful tasks including caring for children and maintaining a household. Other individuals may experience a unique combination of stress factors which result in stress exhaustion.

To prevent stress exhaustion, stress management techniques should be used, starting with enough healthy sleep. There are a variety of techniques to improve sleeping habits, starting with setting a consistent sleep schedule. Refraining from food, stimulants, and exercise for at least four hours before sleeping has also been shown to improve sleep. The bedroom should be kept calm, quiet, and orderly to help sleepers relax. It is much easier to make rational and productive decisions when properly rested.

Stress should also be kept to a manageable level, and individuals should not be shy about communicating their stress related needs. People should be conscious of what upsets and stresses them, and the issues should be addressed rather than buried. Developing a balanced and healthy life is a good stress management technique, and people should make an effort to socialize and build ties outside of their stressful environments. A healthy diet is also helpful for stress reduction. Some individuals also benefit from religious practice, meditation, or relaxing body disciplines such as yoga.

If stress can be reduced before an individual reaches the stage of stress exhaustion, a happier and healthier life will most likely result. In some cases, professional help may be needed to help implement healthier living techniques designed to reduce stress. A greater awareness of stress exhaustion, particularly in corporate environments, has led to more support for employees suffering from stress. Stress exhaustion can be an avoidable condition.