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[](https://www.nih.gov/ "National Institutes of Health") [National Library of Medicine](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/) [](https://medlineplus.gov/) Menu - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) Search - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) - [What's New](https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/) - [Site Map](https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html) - [Customer Support](https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A//medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html) - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) [Español](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/fatigue.html "Español") You Are Here: [Home](https://medlineplus.gov/) → [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) → Fatigue URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html # Fatigue Also called: Tiredness, Weariness On this page ### Basics - [Summary](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#summary "Go to: Summary") - [Start Here](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_51 "Go to: Start Here") ### Learn More - [Related Issues](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_47 "Go to: Related Issues") - [Specifics](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_42 "Go to: Specifics") - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_46 "Go to: Genetics") ### See, Play and Learn - No links available ### Research - [Clinical Trials](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_27 "Go to: Clinical Trials") - [Journal Articles](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_59 "Go to: Journal Articles") ### Resources - No links available ### For You - [Older Adults](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_23 "Go to: Older Adults") - [Patient Handouts](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html#cat_69 "Go to: Patient Handouts") ## Summary ### What is fatigue? Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It can interfere with your usual daily activities. Fatigue can be a normal response to physical activity, emotional [stress](https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html), boredom, or lack of sleep. But sometimes it can be a sign of a mental or physical condition. If you have been feeling tired for weeks, contact your health care provider. They can help you find out what's causing your fatigue and recommend ways to relieve it. ### What causes fatigue? Fatigue itself is not a disease; it's a symptom. It can have many different causes, including [pregnancy](https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancy.html) and various medical problems, treatments, and lifestyle habits such as: - **Medical problems:** - Chronic (long-lasting) diseases such as [diabetes](https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html), [COPD](https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html) (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and [heart](https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html), [liver](https://medlineplus.gov/liverdiseases.html), [kidney](https://medlineplus.gov/kidneydiseases.html) and [thyroid](https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html) diseases - Untreated [pain](https://medlineplus.gov/chronicpain.html) and diseases like [fibromyalgia](https://medlineplus.gov/fibromyalgia.html) - [Anemia](https://medlineplus.gov/anemia.html) - Infections - [Parkinson's disease](https://medlineplus.gov/parkinsonsdisease.html) - [Sleep apnea](https://medlineplus.gov/sleepapnea.html) and other [sleep disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html) - Recent [stroke](https://medlineplus.gov/stroke.html) - [Mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html) such as [depression](https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html) and [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) - **Treatments:** - Cancer treatments such as [chemotherapy](https://medlineplus.gov/cancerchemotherapy.html), [radiation](https://medlineplus.gov/radiationtherapy.html), and [bone marrow transplants](https://medlineplus.gov/bonemarrowtransplantation.html) - Recovering from major surgery - Taking certain medicines, such as [antidepressants](https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html), antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and [pain](https://medlineplus.gov/painrelievers.html) - **Lifestyle habits:** - Not getting enough sleep - Staying up too late - Drinking too much [alcohol](https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html) - [Substance use](https://medlineplus.gov/druguseandaddiction.html) - Having too much [caffeine](https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html) (which can keep you from getting a good night's sleep) - Getting too little or too much exercise Overwhelming fatigue is part of a disorder called [myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome](https://medlineplus.gov/myalgicencephalomyelitischronicfatiguesyndrome.html) (ME/CFS). The fatigue caused by this disorder is different from a tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, the fatigue in ME/CFS lasts a long time, does not get better with rest, and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. ### What can I do to manage fatigue? If you've had fatigue that does not get better after several weeks, call your provider. They will ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, appetite, and exercise. They will likely do a physical exam and order lab tests. Once they decide on a diagnosis, they can tell you what treatments might help. You can also make some lifestyle changes to feel less tired: - [Get regular physical activity](https://medlineplus.gov/howmuchexercisedoineed.html) - [Improve your sleep habits](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html) - [Stop smoking](https://medlineplus.gov/quittingsmoking.html) (if you smoke), since smoking is linked to many diseases that can cause fatigue - Manage stress - Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol It also may be helpful for you to keep a fatigue diary. This can help you find patterns throughout the day, such as when you feel more tired and when you have more energy. It can also help you plan for activities that may give you more energy. NIH: National Institute on Aging ## Start Here - [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003088.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/003088.htm) - [Feeling Fatigued? Finding Possible Causes](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/11/feeling-fatigued)  (National Institutes of Health) Also in [Spanish](https://salud.nih.gov/recursos-de-salud/nih-noticias-de-salud/se-siente-fatigado) ## Related Issues - [IBD and Fatigue](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/pain-and-fatigue/fatigue-causes) (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America) ## Specifics - [Cancer Fatigue](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue)  (National Cancer Institute) Also in [Spanish](https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/tratamiento/efectos-secundarios/fatiga) - [Cancer Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How to Cope](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709?p=1) - [Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms/ms-symptoms/fatigue) (National Multiple Sclerosis Society) ## Genetics - [Corticosteroid-binding globulin deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/corticosteroid-binding-globulin-deficiency)  (National Library of Medicine) ## Clinical Trials - [ClinicalTrials.gov: Fatigue](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Fatigue%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec)  (National Institutes of Health) ## Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine) - [Article: Effect of Nutrition Education Focusing on Dietary Quality on Cancer-Related Fatigue...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41901069) - [Article: The Effects of Color Therapy on Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41888497) - [Article: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy in Epilepsy Management: Its Influence on Stress,...](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41882871) - [Fatigue -- see more articles](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Fatigue%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+AND+%28patient+education+handout%5Bpt%5D+OR+guideline%5Bpt%5D+OR+clinical+trial%5Bpt%5D%29++NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+) ## Older Adults - [Fatigue in Older Adults](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue/fatigue-older-adults)  (National Institute on Aging) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/fatiga/fatiga-mas-estar-cansado) ## Patient Handouts - [Coping with cancer - managing fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000916.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000916.htm) - [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003088.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/003088.htm) ## Topic Image  ## MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA - [Coping with cancer - managing fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000916.htm) - [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003088.htm) ## Related Health Topics - [Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome](https://medlineplus.gov/myalgicencephalomyelitischronicfatiguesyndrome.html) ## Other Languages Find [health information in languages other than English](https://medlineplus.gov/languages/fatigue.html) on *Fatigue* ## Disclaimers MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. 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Also called: Tiredness, Weariness On this page ### See, Play and Learn - No links available ### Resources - No links available Summary ### What is fatigue? Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It can interfere with your usual daily activities. Fatigue can be a normal response to physical activity, emotional [stress](https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html), boredom, or lack of sleep. But sometimes it can be a sign of a mental or physical condition. If you have been feeling tired for weeks, contact your health care provider. They can help you find out what's causing your fatigue and recommend ways to relieve it. ### What causes fatigue? Fatigue itself is not a disease; it's a symptom. It can have many different causes, including [pregnancy](https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancy.html) and various medical problems, treatments, and lifestyle habits such as: - **Medical problems:** - Chronic (long-lasting) diseases such as [diabetes](https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html), [COPD](https://medlineplus.gov/copd.html) (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and [heart](https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html), [liver](https://medlineplus.gov/liverdiseases.html), [kidney](https://medlineplus.gov/kidneydiseases.html) and [thyroid](https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html) diseases - Untreated [pain](https://medlineplus.gov/chronicpain.html) and diseases like [fibromyalgia](https://medlineplus.gov/fibromyalgia.html) - [Anemia](https://medlineplus.gov/anemia.html) - Infections - [Parkinson's disease](https://medlineplus.gov/parkinsonsdisease.html) - [Sleep apnea](https://medlineplus.gov/sleepapnea.html) and other [sleep disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html) - Recent [stroke](https://medlineplus.gov/stroke.html) - [Mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html) such as [depression](https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html) and [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) - **Treatments:** - Cancer treatments such as [chemotherapy](https://medlineplus.gov/cancerchemotherapy.html), [radiation](https://medlineplus.gov/radiationtherapy.html), and [bone marrow transplants](https://medlineplus.gov/bonemarrowtransplantation.html) - Recovering from major surgery - Taking certain medicines, such as [antidepressants](https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html), antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and [pain](https://medlineplus.gov/painrelievers.html) - **Lifestyle habits:** - Not getting enough sleep - Staying up too late - Drinking too much [alcohol](https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html) - [Substance use](https://medlineplus.gov/druguseandaddiction.html) - Having too much [caffeine](https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html) (which can keep you from getting a good night's sleep) - Getting too little or too much exercise Overwhelming fatigue is part of a disorder called [myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome](https://medlineplus.gov/myalgicencephalomyelitischronicfatiguesyndrome.html) (ME/CFS). The fatigue caused by this disorder is different from a tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, the fatigue in ME/CFS lasts a long time, does not get better with rest, and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. ### What can I do to manage fatigue? If you've had fatigue that does not get better after several weeks, call your provider. They will ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, appetite, and exercise. They will likely do a physical exam and order lab tests. Once they decide on a diagnosis, they can tell you what treatments might help. You can also make some lifestyle changes to feel less tired: - [Get regular physical activity](https://medlineplus.gov/howmuchexercisedoineed.html) - [Improve your sleep habits](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html) - [Stop smoking](https://medlineplus.gov/quittingsmoking.html) (if you smoke), since smoking is linked to many diseases that can cause fatigue - Manage stress - Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol It also may be helpful for you to keep a fatigue diary. This can help you find patterns throughout the day, such as when you feel more tired and when you have more energy. It can also help you plan for activities that may give you more energy. NIH: National Institute on Aging Start Here - [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003088.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/003088.htm) - [Feeling Fatigued? Finding Possible Causes](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/11/feeling-fatigued)  (National Institutes of Health) Also in [Spanish](https://salud.nih.gov/recursos-de-salud/nih-noticias-de-salud/se-siente-fatigado) - [IBD and Fatigue](https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/pain-and-fatigue/fatigue-causes) (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America) - [Cancer Fatigue](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue)  (National Cancer Institute) Also in [Spanish](https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/tratamiento/efectos-secundarios/fatiga) - [Cancer Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How to Cope](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709?p=1) - [Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms/ms-symptoms/fatigue) (National Multiple Sclerosis Society) - [Corticosteroid-binding globulin deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/corticosteroid-binding-globulin-deficiency)  (National Library of Medicine) - [ClinicalTrials.gov: Fatigue](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Fatigue%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec)  (National Institutes of Health) - [Fatigue in Older Adults](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue/fatigue-older-adults)  (National Institute on Aging) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/fatiga/fatiga-mas-estar-cansado) - [Coping with cancer - managing fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000916.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000916.htm) - [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003088.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/003088.htm)