All of us have felt tired or overworked at some point as a result of physical or mental activity. Feeling tired for a short time can be connected to jet lag, lack of sleep, side effects of medications, lack of physical activity, or an unhealthy diet.
Unrelenting fatigue or exhaustion is more profound, and although it can appear at the same time as drowsiness, it is in fact different. Fatigue is persistent, unexplained, and recurring exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
If you are feeling tired and fatigued all the time, or have a constant lack of energy, a health problem might be the reason. The following 10 medical issues are among the possible causes of ongoing fatigue and tiredness.
1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the main medical causes of fatigue.
It involves severe, disabling fatigue and tiredness that lasts for months. People with CFS can feel extreme fatigue even after normal mental or physical activities, and sometimes it can last more than 24 hours. Rest usually doesn’t help in such instances.
Other symptoms besides fatigue are a sore throat, headaches, and muscle or joint pain.
Although the exact causes of CFS are unknown, researchers consider low blood pressure, viruses, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system to be possible contributing factors. People with CFS might find some treatment options and self-care measures helpful.
A team from King’s College London, Oxford University, and Queen Mary University of London conducted a 2015 study that analyzed 4 potential treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. According to the study, graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy showed the best results.
2. Anemia
Fatigue is one of the symptoms of all types of anemia. In cases of anemia, the levels of hemoglobin are low. Since hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the bloodstream, its deficiency leads to constant tiredness and fatigue.
“Seminars in Oncology” published a 2002 study that describes the link between anemia and fatigue. Along with fatigue, other symptoms of anemia are dizziness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, headaches, chest pain, and pale skin.
A blood test can show whether you have anemia. Proper diagnosis and management are important for your general health.
3. Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
People who have thyroid disease, especially an underactive thyroid, can have fatigue as a debilitating symptom.
This gland helps regulate metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. When the thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones, it can lead to constant tiredness, fatigue, and low energy.
The European Journal of Endocrinology published a 2012 study which found that patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism reported significantly higher fatigue levels than the comparison group.
Besides fatigue, other symptoms of hypothyroidism are muscle soreness, dry skin, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, and hair loss. If you have these symptoms, consult a doctor. A simple blood test can show if you have an underactive thyroid.
4. Diabetes
People with diabetes often report tiredness and fatigue, which can get in the way of their everyday activities. Diabetes Care published a 2014 study which shows that chronic fatigue is common in patients with type 1 diabetes.
The exact reason is not clear, but one assumption is that the body requires plenty of energy to deal with the continual changes in blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue. Even with a proper diet and enough sleep, weakness and fatigue might still occur.
Consult a doctor if you have fatigue and also notice increased urination, increased thirst and hunger, and unexpected weight loss. A timely diagnosis allows for better management.
5. Fibromyalgia
Another common reason for musculoskeletal pain and chronic fatigue, especially in women, is fibromyalgia. This disorder affects the joints, muscles, and fibrous tissues. Besides fatigue, people with this disorder may experience social withdrawal and low mood.
Arthritis Research and Therapy published a 2013 study which found that fatigue is one of the most common complaints among people with fibromyalgia. Other symptoms of this disorder include painful tender points, deep muscle pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
If you experience some of these symptoms, consult your doctor, since they can affect your quality of life.
6. Multiple Sclerosis
This autoimmune disease, known as MS, affects the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord. In people with MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the insulating coating around nerve cells. Women are more prone to multiple sclerosis than men.
Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. In fact, about 80% of people with MS experience fatigue, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and it can worsen over time. Humidity and heat can further aggravate it.
The Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research published a study which reports that daytime fatigue, poor sleep quality, and restless legs syndrome are common in people with multiple sclerosis.
The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published a study which shows that obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances might be common but under-recognized contributors to fatigue in MS patients.
Other MS symptoms include pain or tingling in parts of the body, weakness or numbness in one or more limbs, dizziness, and slurred speech. There is currently no cure for MS, but with a timely diagnosis, doctors can offer treatment to manage the symptoms and the course of the disease.
7. Depression
Even if a person with depression gets enough sleep, he or she can still feel very tired. Moreover, people who live with depression often experience sleep problems, and sleep problems of any kind can affect energy levels. Over 350 million people worldwide live with depression, as stated by the WHO.
Psychiatry published a 2004 study which describes fatigue as one of the common symptoms in people with depression. Researchers believe that changes in different neurotransmitters play a role.
Depression and Anxiety published a 2014 study which shows that fatigue is often poorly recognized and managed, and that this is linked to longer and more serious depression. If you have ongoing fatigue and feel hopeless, sad, helpless, or worthless, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional.
8. Glandular Fever
This viral infection, also known as infectious mononucleosis, can cause severe fatigue. Other symptoms are loss of appetite, fever, sore throat, aching muscles, and swollen glands. Although the other symptoms of this infection last about a month, fatigue can last for several months.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases published a 2007 study which says that the risk of either chronic fatigue syndrome or prolonged fatigue after this viral infection is 5 to 6 times higher than after a common infection of the respiratory tract. Consult your doctor if you think you might have glandular fever.
9. Sleep Apnea
This sleep disorder can cause daytime tiredness and fatigue. It is characterized by interrupted or stopped breathing while sleeping, which happens as a result of narrowed or blocked airways in the nose, throat, or mouth.
A study published in the journal Chest states that complaints of lack of energy, tiredness, or fatigue might be as important as sleepiness for people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Chronic fatigue, headaches after waking up, snoring, and feeling exhausted upon awakening can be signs of sleep apnea. Since even slight sleep deprivation can affect mood and health, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.
10. Menopause
It’s common for women in perimenopause or menopause to experience fatigue. Progesterone, estrogen, adrenal, and thyroid hormones are involved in regulating energy in the body. During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate a lot, which can lead to fatigue.
Moreover, during menopause, hot flashes and night sweats can further disturb sleep, and lack of sleep leaves many women dragging throughout the day. Fatigue can even worsen other symptoms of menopause, like poor concentration, anxiety, and a lack of confidence.
“Menopause” published a 2015 study which shows that menstrual abnormalities, early menopause, hysterectomy, pelvic pain, and endometriosis are all associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, which is 2 to 4 times more common in women, especially in their 40s, than in men.
Via Top 10 Home Remedies | Web MD | Healthline | NCBI | Havering | NCBI | BJ Psych | NCBI
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.