Common Causes
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue
- Not Enough Sleep. Lack of sleep causes fatigue and can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being. ...
- Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which sufferers briefly stop breathing for short periods during sleep.
- Not Enough Fuel. ...
- Anemia. ...
- Depression. ...
- Hypothyroidism. ...
- Caffeine Overload. ...
- Hidden UTI. ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Dehydration. ...
Related Conditions
Fatigue is a symptom that usually has some underlying cause. Fatigue may be described by people in different ways, and may include some combination (both mental and physical) include weakness, lack of energy, constantly tired or exhausted, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and/or difficulty starting and completing tasks.
What are the possible causes of fatigue?
These are 7 possible reasons
- Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can set off in form of dizziness and weakness. ...
- Congestive heart failure. Is another reason the body suddenly feels weak and dizzy. ...
- Stroke. A sign a stroke is coming is numbness, convulsion and weakness. ...
- Hypertension/Low blood pressure. ...
- Dehydration. ...
- Sleep deprivation. ...
- Body is just generally weak. ...
What are the first signs of fatigue?
You have all the signs of a cold, plus the following:
- Fever over 100°F
- Chest coughs
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headaches
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Full-body aches
Why do I suddenly feel really weak and tired?
How to know if your fatigue is normal?
What are 3 types of fatigue?
There are three types of fatigue: transient, cumulative, and circadian: Transient fatigue is acute fatigue brought on by extreme sleep restriction or extended hours awake within 1 or 2 days.
What are 3 warning signs of fatigue?
What are the signs of fatigue?weariness,tiredness,sleepiness, including falling asleep against your will ("micro" sleeps),irritability,reduced alertness, concentration and memory,reduced ability to be productive,mentally tired,physically tired,More items...
What are 4 warning signs of fatigue?
Symptoms of fatiguechronic tiredness or sleepiness.headache.dizziness.sore or aching muscles.muscle weakness.slowed reflexes and responses.impaired decision-making and judgement.moodiness, such as irritability.More items...
How do I get rid of fatigue feeling?
Self-help tips to fight tirednessEat often to beat tiredness. ... Get moving. ... Lose weight to gain energy. ... Sleep well. ... Reduce stress to boost energy. ... Talking therapy beats fatigue. ... Cut out caffeine. ... Drink less alcohol.More items...
When should you worry about fatigue?
Call for an appointment with your doctor if your fatigue has persisted for two or more weeks despite making an effort to rest, reduce stress, choose a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
What does Covid fatigue feel like?
It can leave people feeling dull and finding it difficult to concentrate and recall memories. Fatigue is very common after viral infections, such as COVID and normally it settles after 2 or 3 weeks. However, in some people it can linger for weeks or months.
What are some examples of fatigue?
Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy....For example, fatigue can result from:physical exertion.lack of physical activity.lack of sleep.being overweight or obese.periods of emotional stress.boredom.grief.taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or sedatives.More items...
How much fatigue is normal?
Normal Fatigue If you do not get seven to eight hours of sleep, expect to be tired and fatigued. Another is doing too much; for example, working or playing hard without resting properly. It is normal to get worn out in this way and become fatigued.
Does stress cause fatigue?
Decreased energy and insomnia Prolonged stress can cause chronic fatigue and disruptions in sleep, which may result in decreased energy levels. For example, a recent study of more than 7,000 working adults found that fatigue was “significantly associated” with work-related stress ( 3 ).
What medicine helps with fatigue?
Drugs used to treat FatigueDrug nameRatingRx/OTCView information about modafinil modafinil Off-label7.4RxGeneric name: modafinil systemic Drug class: CNS stimulants For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information Off-label: Yes13 more rows
How can I get energy quickly?
7 Tips to Boost Your Energy FastExercise! Even a quick ten-minute walk will increase your energy and boost your mood. ... Listen to lively music. This is one of the quickest, easiest ways to get a jolt of energy.Get enough sleep. ... Act energetic. ... Talk to friends. ... Get something done. ... Skip the food strategy.
What are the symptoms of fatigue?
Symptoms: Fatigue, morning stiffness, joint pain, inflamed joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of inflammatory arthritis, is another cause of excessive fatigue. Because joint damage can result in disability, early and aggressive treatment is the best approach for rheumatoid arthritis.
Why do women get fatigued?
It affects more than 5.6% of Americans. For women in their childbearing years, anemia is a common cause of fatigue. This is especially true for women who have heavy menstrual cycles, uterine fibroid tumors, or uterine polyps. Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia and Fatigue. Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, deep muscle pain, painful tender points, sleep problems, anxiety, depression. Fibromyalgia is one of the more common causes of chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, especially in women.
Why does sleep apnea cause low oxygen levels?
Obstructive sleep apnea causes low blood oxygen levels. That's because blockages prevent air from getting to the lungs. The low oxygen levels also affect how well your heart and brain work. Sometimes, the only clue that you might have sleep apnea is chronic fatigue.
Why is it so hard to concentrate with fibromyalgia?
Some people with fibromyalgia live in a constant “fibro fog” -- a hazy feeling that makes it hard to concentrate. Constant daytime fatigue with fibromyalgia often results in people not getting enough exercise. That causes a decline in physical fitness. It can also lead to mood-related problems.
What causes anemia in the body?
Other causes of anemia include a lack of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease can also cause anemia. To confirm a diagnosis of anemia, your doctor will give you a blood test. If iron deficiency is the cause of your fatigue, treatment may include iron supplements.
What to take for fatigue from iron deficiency?
If iron deficiency is the cause of your fatigue, treatment may include iron supplements. You can also add iron-rich foods such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat to your diet to help relieve symptoms. Vitamin C with meals or with iron supplements can help the iron to be better absorbed and improve your symptoms.
Why do women get fatigued?
Anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of fatigue in women. Red blood cells (pictured) carry oxygen throughout the body, and iron is a main component of these cells. Without enough iron, your body may not be getting the oxygen it needs for energy. Women who experience heavy menstrual periods or are pregnant may be at higher risk ...
How to help with fatigue?
Strategies include good sleep habits (limit caffeine, keep your bedroom dark and quiet), relaxation techniques, light exercise, pacing yourself, and eating a balanced diet.
What to do if you can't sleep?
Make sure your mattress is comfortable, the room is sufficiently dark and cool, and your cell phone and television is off. If you are still unable to sleep after making changes to your sleep environment, consult a doctor to rule out a sleep disorder.
What happens if you don't eat enough?
Not Enough Fuel. What you eat (or don't eat) can affect how much you do or don't sleep. Not eating enough, or eating foods that are not nutritious, can cause fatigue. If you eat foods that cause spikes in your blood sugar, as soon as those sugar levels drop, you feel fatigued.
Why does my heart feel tired?
When the heart is less able to pump blood to all the body's tissues, it conserves resources by diverting blood from the limbs and instead sending it to the vital organs. This can cause fatigue and may be a sign of heart disease. Heart disease is a serious condition that requires treatment, so talk to your doctor.
How to stay awake during the day?
If you must work at night, keep your workplace brightly lit. Try to work night shifts all in a row and avoid frequently rotating shifts.
What happens when you work shifts?
Shift work can wreak havoc on your body's 24-hour internal clock , or circadian rhythm . When you work nights or rotate shifts, your body doesn't know when to be awake and when to sleep, which causes fatigue.
What causes fatigue?
For example, fatigue can result from: physical exertion. lack of physical activity. lack of sleep. being overweight or obese. periods of emotional stress. boredom.
How to reduce fatigue?
abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs. These lifestyle changes may help ease your fatigue. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan for any diagnosed health conditions. If left untreated, fatigue can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being.
What does it mean when you are tired?
Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it’s not the same thing. Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions ...
How to know if you are tired?
Go to the hospital immediately if you experience fatigue along with any of the following symptoms: rectal bleeding. vomiting blood. severe headache. pain in your chest area. feelings of faintness. irregular heartbeat. shortness of breath. severe pain in your abdominal, back, or pelvic region.
What to do if you are tired but not able to rest?
They can help diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.
Symptoms
Feeling uncomfortable, ill or lack of energy but you cannot explain the cause.
Malaise is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Stress
- Fear
- Inadequate sleep
Prevention
Diet
Causes
Treatment
Overview
- In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, or some other health condition. If that's the case, then the long-term outlook is good. WebMD looks at some common causes of fatigue and how they are resolved.
Diagnosis
Benefits