Why does the mind tire during intense mental work?

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Extended periods of intense mental work can lead to a noticeable decline in cognitive performance, often referred to as mental fatigue. This phenomenon may occur due to several factors, including depletion of cognitive resources and reduced neural efficiency. The brain requires energy, and prolonged focus can lead to a state where cognitive functions are temporarily impaired. The referenced study explores the mechanisms behind this decline, suggesting that mental fatigue can impact decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Understanding these effects can help individuals manage their workload and optimize performance by incorporating breaks and varying tasks to maintain cognitive function.
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I've been doing math all day, and I've noticed in the past hour or so, my abilities have started being extremely limited. I had to ask for help here for a problem than at 9am probably wouldn't challenge me much. Why after several hours of intense work does intelligence temporarily drop so drastically? Does the brain sort of get backed up, or is it as simple as literally being out of fuel?
 
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