Nine Potential Explanations for Persistent Fatigue
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Feeling drained even after a long slumber? Struggling to stay awake past noon without a coffee kick? Well, we've all hit that wall now and then. But if tiredness becomes a constant companion, it might be a sign of something more serious. Here's a roundup of potential explanations!
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Whatever you call it—from feeling wiped out to being utterly worn down—constant exhaustion could be a symptom of an underlying issue. Here are a few reasons why you might be feeling under the weather:
Anemia
An iron deficiency, also known as anemia, can prevent your body from producing enough red blood cells. Short on these crucial cells, and you might feel weak, tired, and generally rundown.
Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S., affecting approximately 3 million Americans.
Sleep Apnea
Are you waking up in the middle of the night? You could be suffering from sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart attacks, but it can also leave you feeling excessively tired.
"Insufficient sleep or poor-quality sleep can contribute to fatigue or tiredness," says family medicine specialist Jared Ankerman, M.D. "Many people are chronically sleep-deprived. I recommend adults aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night."
Pregnancy
From growing a little person to producing extra hormones, being pregnant can take a toll on your energy levels.
"It's a drain on your body," says Dr. Ankerman. "You're growing another human, which puts a strain on your body. Your body's working extra hard to supply both you and the fetus with enough blood flow and energy."
Even in early pregnancy, high levels of progesterone can leave you feeling extra tired.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, chronic fatigue can be a common symptom, especially if your blood sugar isn't well-managed.
"When blood sugar spikes, it can dehydrate you slightly, causing feelings of fatigue," explains Dr. Ankerman. "It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage diabetes and avoid these spikes."
Depression
Just like a lack of energy, depression can be another root cause of feeling tired.
"If you're feeling exhausted and uninterested in daily activities, it could be a sign of depression," says Dr. Ankerman. "I recommend talking to your doctor if you're experiencing these symptoms to discuss potential treatment options."
Underactive Thyroid
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can slow down your metabolism, leaving you feeling drained. Since your thyroid plays a crucial role in producing hormones that help regulate your body's energy levels, any disruption can leave you feeling fatigued.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Declining kidney function can allow toxins and impurities to build up in the bloodstream, which can cause feelings of weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion. Kidney disease can also lead to anemia, another potential factor in fatigue.
"In advanced stages of kidney disease or for those on dialysis, fatigue can be a problem," says Dr. Ankerman.
Bacterial or Viral Infection
When your body is busy fighting off a cold or the flu, it can leave you feeling depleted and drowsy. Furthermore, more severe bacterial or viral infections can interact with different organ systems, causing long-term feelings of exhaustion.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Not getting enough vitamins B12 or D can leave you feeling tired as well.
"I often look for nutritional deficiencies when assessing a patient's energy levels," says Dr. Ankerman. "Addressing these deficiencies can help alleviate feelings of fatigue."
If your doctor finds nutritional deficiencies, you may need dietary changes or supplements to correct the imbalance.
Chronic Fatigue vs. Persistent Fatigue Syndrome
If you're experiencing persistent, severe fatigue that goes on for six months or more, you may have a condition called persistent fatigue syndrome, or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
"Chronic fatigue syndrome is a more recently recognized condition, particularly in the past five to ten years," explains Dr. Ankerman. "Previously, it was thought of as primarily a psychiatric disorder."
Patients with CFS often experience symptoms like:
- Muscle aches.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Flu-like symptoms including joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
- Dizziness.
- Attention and memory problems.
"It can be debilitating," admits Dr. Ankerman.
While there's no known cure for CFS, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help patients adapt to their fatigue and develop strategies to manage their energy levels.
"It's crucial to consult a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms," advises Dr. Ankerman. "If you're concerned that this could be more than just regular tiredness, they can help."
- In the realm of health and wellness, chronic fatigue can be a consequence of neurological disorders, like hypothyroidism or chronic kidney disease, due to their impacts on the body's energy production and hormone regulation.
- Science has linked anemia, a medical condition characterized by iron deficiency, to sleep disturbances and poor health, as insufficient red blood cells can lead to feelings of exhaustion.
- Prolonged cases of chronic fatigue might be symptoms of Persistent Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a condition that involves various other symptoms like muscle aches, difficulty sleeping, and memory issues.
- Mental health conditions like depression can coexist with chronic fatigue—if you feel exhausted and disinterested in daily activities, it could be a red flag for depression, so talking to a healthcare provider is essential for finding potential treatment options.
- Fitness and exercise play a pivotal role in managing chronic diseases and improving energy levels. Adhering to a balanced diet, incorporating regular physical activity, and maintaining good nutrition can help combat fatigue caused by chronic medical conditions.
