Fatigue can occur with many different mental and physical health conditions. Some causes can be serious. You may be able to relieve fatigue with lifestyle changes to exercise, diet, and sleep.
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 that range in severity from mild to serious. It’s also a natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet.
If your fatigue doesn’t resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or you suspect it’s caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition, see your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.
lifestyle factors
physical health conditions
mental health issues
Lifestyle factors
If you’re experiencing fatigue, your activities and other lifestyle choices may be the root cause. For example, fatigue can result from:
physical exertion
lack of physical activity
being overweight or
periods of
taking certain medications, such as
or sedatives
using
on a regular basis
using illicit drugs, such as cocaine
consuming
not eating a nutritious diet
Physical health conditions
Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
infections, such as
and
, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
, or underactive thyroid
, or overactive thyroid
, such as insomnia
, such as anorexia
disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Mental health issues
Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on what’s causing your fatigue. To make a diagnosis, they will likely ask you questions about:
the nature of your fatigue, including when it started and whether it gets better or worse at certain times
other symptoms that you’ve been experiencing
other medical conditions that you have
your lifestyle and sources of stress
medications that you’re taking
If your doctor suspects you have an underlying medical condition that’s causing your fatigue, they may order some medical tests. For example, they may order
or
tests.
A number of measures can help lessen fatigue caused by daily activities. To help boost your energy levels and overall health:
drink enough fluids to
practice healthy eating habits
on a regular basis
avoid
avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding
take part in relaxing activities, such as
abstain from alcohol,
, 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.