FAQs
Many cases of tiredness are due to stress, not enough sleep, poor diet and other lifestyle factors. Try these self-help tips to restore your energy levels. If you feel you're suffering from fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that isn't relieved by rest and sleep, you may have an underlying medical condition.
What is the main cause of fatigue and tiredness? ›
Causes of tiredness and fatigue
an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby. hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause)
How to treat fatigue and tiredness? ›
Try to eat regularly to maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Eat a healthy diet – increase the amount of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods, low fat dairy products and lean meats in your diet. Reduce the amount of high fat, high sugar and high salt foods. Don't overeat – large meals can drain your energy.
What is the difference between fatigue and tiredness? ›
For many people, fatigue is caused by a combination of lifestyle, social, psychological and general wellbeing issues rather than an underlying medical condition. Although fatigue is sometimes described as tiredness, it is more severe than being tired at the end of a long day or from hard physical exercise.
What are the red flags for fatigue? ›
Red flags, which may point towards serious underlying pathology, include constitutional symptoms (unintentional loss of weight, loss of appetite, fever), recent onset in a previously well older patient, unexplained lymphadenopathy and abnormal bleeding.
What are four warning signs of fatigue? ›
Fatigue often occurs along with other symptoms, such as:
- Depression and lack of desire to do the activities you once enjoyed.
- Trouble concentrating or focusing.
- Very low energy and motivation.
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
- Muscle pain and weakness.
What deficiency causes tiredness and fatigue? ›
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
What illnesses start with fatigue? ›
Fatigue can also occur with the following illnesses:
- Addison disease (a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones)
- Anorexia or other eating disorders.
- Arthritis, mainly adult or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Cancer.
- COVID-19.
- Diabetes.
At what age do you start feeling tired and old? ›
Well, this depends on a person's age, health, fitness level and lifestyle. Generally, the more years that pass, the more you'll value your beauty sleep, and its true senior fatigue is a real thing. However, most people start experiencing a decline in their energy levels by the time they reach their mid-thirties.
What vitamins help tiredness? ›
If you lead an active lifestyle, or you just need an energy boost, both Vitamin B12 and Iron can help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Or if you need to sustain your mental alertness and concentration, Ginseng can support your mental wellbeing.
Drug Therapies
Antidepressants often prescribed for chronic fatigue include: Tricyclics: amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), notriptyline (Pamelor) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
Why do I feel so old and tired? ›
There are plenty of potential culprits. Medications for blood pressure, sleep problems, pain and gastrointestinal reflux can induce fatigue, as can infections, conditions such as arthritis, an underactive thyroid, poor nutrition and alcohol use. All can be addressed, doctors say.
Why am I so tired and no energy? ›
Not getting enough sleep is one reason why you may be tired. Other possible reasons include nutrient deficiencies, stress, an underlying health condition, and drug side effects. If you have chronic fatigue, see a doctor for a diagnosis. If you're feeling overly tired or have little energy, you're not alone.
Should I keep sleeping if I'm tired? ›
In one study, researchers actually found that longer sleep time was associated with higher fatigue in people with severe insomnia. We often assume that if we're feeling fatigued then we should sleep more. In fact, the amount of time spent sleeping is not as important as the quality of sleep achieved.
When is fatigue worrisome? ›
If that's the case, or your fatigue gets worse or lasts longer than a week or two, it's time to see your doctor. Your fatigue might be related to an underlying illness or infection, especially if it's accompanied by symptoms, such as a low-grade fever, shortness of breath, or loss of appetite.
What is my body lacking if I feel tired? ›
Nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
Why do I feel tired, lazy, and unmotivated all the time? ›
The following factors can contribute to fatigue, either alone or in combination: Psychological and psychosocial – stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical – anemia, diabetes, glandular fever, and cancer. Physiological – pregnancy, breast-feeding, inadequate sleep, and excessive exercise.
Why does my body feel weak and tired? ›
Fatigue may be caused by simple factors like a lack of sleep or coming down with a cold or the flu. However, it can also be caused by underlying health conditions. In most cases, fatigue can be remedied by lifestyle or dietary modifications, correcting a nutrient deficiency, or treating an underlying medical condition.
What is crashing fatigue? ›
Menopause fatigue is often referred to as 'crushing'. It's a feeling of overwhelming, sudden 'crashing' tiredness, something akin to how we feel when we're coming down with a virus - a feeling of being drained, not being able to concentrate or keep your eyes open, and something that doesn't improve with sleep.