ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.4 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-01 03:22:38 (11 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2017-10-12 22:43:11 (8 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Fatigue: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & More |
| Meta Description | Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or a lack of energy. Learn about over 30 possible causes, from stress to taking certain medications. Find out ways you can boost your energy, such as staying hydrated. Also discover the signs that your fatigue is caused by a serious medical condition. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | 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
lack of sleep
being overweight or
obese
periods of
emotional stress
boredom
grief
taking certain medications, such as
antidepressants
or sedatives
using
alcohol
on a regular basis
using illicit drugs, such as cocaine
consuming
too much caffeine
not eating a nutritious diet
Physical health conditions
Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
anemia
arthritis
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue syndrome
infections, such as
cold
and
flu
Addison’s disease
, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
hypothyroidism
, or underactive thyroid
hyperthyroidism
, or overactive thyroid
sleep disorders
, such as insomnia
eating disorders
, such as anorexia
autoimmune disorders
congestive heart failure
cancer
diabetes
kidney disease
liver
disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
emphysema
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
blood
or
urine
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
stay hydrated
practice healthy eating habits
exercise
on a regular basis
get enough sleep
avoid
known stressors
avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding
take part in relaxing activities, such as
yoga
abstain from alcohol,
tobacco
, 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. |
| Markdown | - Health Conditions
Health Conditions
[All](https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics)
- [Breast Cancer](https://www.healthline.com/breast-cancer)
- [Cancer Care](https://www.healthline.com/cancer-care)
- [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https://www.healthline.com/alzheimers-disease)
- [Chronic Kidney Disease](https://www.healthline.com/ckd)
- [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https://www.healthline.com/copd)
- [Digestive Health](https://www.healthline.com/digestive-health)
- [Eye Health](https://www.healthline.com/eye-health)
- [Heart Health](https://www.healthline.com/heart-health)
- [Menopause](https://www.healthline.com/menopause)
- [Mental Health](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health)
- [Migraine](https://www.healthline.com/migraine)
- [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https://www.healthline.com/multiple-sclerosis)
- [Parkinson’s Disease](https://www.healthline.com/parkinsons-disease)
- [Psoriasis](https://www.healthline.com/psoriasis)
- [Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)](https://www.healthline.com/rheumatoid-arthritis)
- [Sleep Health](https://www.healthline.com/sleep)
- [Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/type-2-diabetes)
- [Weight Management](https://www.healthline.com/weight-management)
Condition Spotlight
[All](https://www.healthline.com/sponsored-topics)
- [ Controlling Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthline.com/program/controlling-uc)
- [ Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/program/navigating-life-with-bipolar-disorder)
- [ Mastering Geographic Atrophy](https://www.healthline.com/program/mastering-your-geographic-atrophy-care)
- [ Managing Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/program/managing-type-2-diabetes-with-food-and-fitness)
- Wellness
Wellness Topics
[All](https://www.healthline.com/wellness)
- [CBD](https://www.healthline.com/cbd)
- [Fitness](https://www.healthline.com/fitness)
- [Healthy Aging](https://www.healthline.com/healthy-aging)
- [Hearing](https://www.healthline.com/hearing-health)
- [Mental Well-Being](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health)
- [Nutrition](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition)
- [Parenthood](https://www.healthline.com/parenthood)
- [Recipes](https://www.healthline.com/recipes)
- [Sexual Health](https://www.healthline.com/sexual-health)
- [Skin Care](https://www.healthline.com/skincare)
- [Sleep Health](https://www.healthline.com/sleep)
- [Vitamins and Supplements](https://www.healthline.com/vitamins-supplements)
- [Women's Wellness](https://www.healthline.com/program/womens-wellness)
Product Reviews
[All](https://www.healthline.com/reviews)
- [At-Home Testing](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/at-home-tests)
- [Men's Health](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/mens-health-products)
- [Mental Health](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/mental-health-services-and-products)
- [Nutrition](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/nutrition-products)
- [Sleep](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/sleep-products)
- [Vitamins and Supplements](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/vitamin-and-supplement-products)
- [Women's Health](https://www.healthline.com/reviews/womens-health-products)
Featured Programs
[All](https://www.healthline.com/sponsored-topics)
- [ Your Guide to Glucose Health](https://www.healthline.com/program/your-guide-to-glucose-health)
- [ Inflammation and Aging](https://www.healthline.com/program/understanding-inflammation-and-aging)
- [ Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide](https://www.healthline.com/program/cold-flu-survival-guide)
- [ She’s Good for Real](https://www.healthline.com/program/shes-good-for-real)
- Tools
Featured
- [Video Series](https://www.healthline.com/video)
- [Pill Identifier](https://www.healthline.com/pill-identifier)
- [FindCare](https://care.healthline.com/find-care)
- [Drugs A-Z](https://www.healthline.com/drugs)
- [Medicare Plans by State](https://www.healthline.com/about/health-medicare-state-coverage)
Lessons
[All](https://learn.healthline.com/)
- [Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials](https://www.healthline.com/app/inflammatory-bowel-disease?utm_source=lessonshome)
- [Diabetes Nutrition](https://www.healthline.com/app/type-2-diabetes?utm_source=lessonshome)
- [High Cholesterol](https://www.healthline.com/app/high-cholesterol?utm_source=lessonshome)
- [Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis](https://www.healthline.com/app/pso-inflammation?utm_source=lessonshome)
- [Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/app/psa-inflammation?utm_source=lessonshome)
Newsletters
[All](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup)
- [Anxiety and Depression](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/anxiety-and-depression)
- [Digestive Health](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/ibd)
- [Heart Health](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/heart-health)
- [Migraine](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/migraine)
- [Nutrition Edition](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/nutrition)
- [Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/type-2-diabetes)
- [Wellness Wire](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup/wellness-wire)
Lifestyle Quizzes
- [Find a Diet](https://activation.healthline.com/assessment/assessment/diets/prompt/1?v=1&tc=120226&subid=hl_dietfinder_1_)
- [Find Healthy Snacks](https://activation.healthline.com/assessment/assessment/pregnancy-snacks/prompt/1?v=1)
- [Weight Management](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/weight-management-quiz)
- [How Well Do You Sleep?](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/quiz-how-well-do-you-sleep#1)
- [Are You a Workaholic?](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/quiz-are-you-a-workaholic#quiz-are-you-a-workaholic)
- Featured
Health News
[All](https://www.healthline.com/health-news)
- [Medicare 2026 Changes](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/medicare-open-enrollment-2026-key-changes)
- [Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/666-walking-trend-weight-loss)
- [This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/married-couple-loses-119-pounds-together-without-meds)
- [5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/healthy-ways-to-improve-longevity)
- [Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/morning-coffee-heart-health-benefits)
This Just In
- [5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-nutrition/healthy-lifestyle-benefits)
- [How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu](https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/how-to-disinfect-house-after-flu)
- [Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/plant-based-meal-delivery)
- [Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?](https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-pneumonia-shots)
- [Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health](https://www.healthline.com/health/chromosomes-and-genetics)
Top Reads
- [Best Multivitamins for Women](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/multivitamins-womens-health)
- [Best Multivitamins for Men](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-multivitamins-for-men)
- [Best Online Therapy Services](https://www.healthline.com/health/our-top-10-online-therapy-picks)
- [Online Therapy That Takes Insurance](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/online-therapy-that-takes-insurance)
- [Buy Ozempic Online](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/buy-ozempic-online)
- [Mounjaro Overview](https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/mounjaro)
Video Series
- [Youth in Focus](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/youth-in-focus)
- [Healthy Harvest](https://www.healthline.com/health/nutrition/video/healthy-harvest#1)
- [Through an Artist's Eye](https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/metastatic-breast-cancer-artist-eye)
- [Future of Health](https://www.healthline.com/health/video/future-of-health)
- Connect
Find Your Bezzy Community
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
[All](https://www.bezzy.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)
- [ Inflammatory Bowel Disease](https://www.bezzyibd.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
- [ Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.bezzyms.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
- [ Depression](https://www.bezzydepression.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
- [ Migraine](https://www.bezzymigraine.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
- [ Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.bezzyt2d.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
- [ Psoriasis](https://www.bezzypsoriasis.com/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)
Follow us on social media
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
Subscribe
[Fitness](https://www.healthline.com/fitness)
- [Exercise](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/exercise)
- [Cardio](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/cardio)
- [Products](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/products)
- [Strength Training](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/strength-training)
- [Yoga](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/yoga)
- [Holistic Fitness](https://www.healthline.com/fitness/holistic-fitness)
# Causes of Fatigue and How to Manage It

[Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by Krista O'Connell — [Updated on April 18, 2023]()
- [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue#causes)
- [When to see a doctor](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue#when-to-see-a-doctor)
- [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue#treatment)
- [Lifestyle changes](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue#lifestyle-changes)
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.
## [What causes fatigue?]()
There are [many potential causes of fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-you-are-tired). They can be divided into three general categories:
- 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
- [lack of sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body)
- being overweight or [obese](https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity)
- periods of [emotional stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body)
- [boredom](https://www.healthline.com/health/boredom)
- [grief](https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief)
- taking certain medications, such as [antidepressants](https://www.healthline.com/health/antidepressant-side-effects) or sedatives
- using [alcohol](https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body) on a regular basis
- using illicit drugs, such as cocaine
- consuming [too much caffeine](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects)
- not eating a nutritious diet
### Physical health conditions
Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
- [anemia](https://www.healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia)
- [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis)
- [fibromyalgia](https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia)
- [chronic fatigue syndrome](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome)
- infections, such as [cold](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold) and [flu](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/flu)
- [Addison’s disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/addisons-disease), a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
- [hypothyroidism](https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/symptoms-treatments-more), or underactive thyroid
- [hyperthyroidism](https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism), or overactive thyroid
- [sleep disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders), such as insomnia
- [eating disorders](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders), such as anorexia
- [autoimmune disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders)
- [congestive heart failure](https://www.healthline.com/health/congestive-heart-failure)
- [cancer](https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer)
- [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes)
- [kidney disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-failure)
- [liver](https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/liver) disease
- [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/copd)
- [emphysema](https://www.healthline.com/health/emphysema)
### Mental health issues
[Mental health conditions](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health) can also lead to fatigue. For example, fatigue is a common symptom of [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety), [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/fatigue), and [seasonal affective disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder).
## [When is it time to see your doctor?]()
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you’re feeling fatigued and you:
- can’t think of anything that might account for your fatigue
- have a [higher-than-normal body temperature](https://www.healthline.com/health/fever-symptoms)
- have experienced unexplained weight loss
- [feel very sensitive to colder temperatures](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-intolerance)
- [regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia)
- believe you may be [depressed](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/recognizing-symptoms)
If you’ve made efforts to address the most common lifestyle causes, such as [lack of rest](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-lose-sleep), [poor eating habits](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-foods-to-avoid-like-the-plague), and [stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress), without success, and your fatigue has continued for two weeks or more, make an appointment with your doctor.
In some cases, your fatigue might be caused by a serious medical condition. Go to the hospital immediately if you experience fatigue along with any of the following symptoms:
- [rectal bleeding](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-when-i-wipe)
- vomiting blood
- severe [headache](https://www.healthline.com/health/headache)
- pain in your chest area
- [feelings of faintness](https://www.healthline.com/health/fainting)
- [irregular heartbeat](https://www.healthline.com/health/arrhythmia)
- shortness of breath
- severe pain in your [abdominal](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain), [back](https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain), or [pelvic](https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-pelvis) region
- [thoughts of suicide or self-harm](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/suicidal-thoughts)
- thoughts of harming another person
## [How will your doctor treat fatigue?]()
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 [blood](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests) or [urine](https://www.healthline.com/health/urinalysis) tests.
## [Food Fix: Foods to Beat Fatigue]()
## [What are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce fatigue?]()
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 [stay hydrated](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water)
- [practice healthy eating habits](https://www.healthline.com/health/balanced-diet)
- [exercise](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise) on a regular basis
- [get enough sleep](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sleep-you-need)
- avoid [known stressors](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-causes)
- avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding
- take part in relaxing activities, such as [yoga](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga)
- abstain from alcohol, [tobacco](https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking/effects-on-body), 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.
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- Alwaystired? 7 hidden causes for your fatigue. (2017).
<https://health.clevelandclinic.org/always-tired-7-hidden-causes-for-your-fatigue>
- Fatigue in older adults. (2016).
<https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue-older-adults>
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Fatigue. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/definition/sym-20050894
Share this article

[Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by Krista O'Connell — [Updated on April 18, 2023]()
## related stories
- [Why Am I so Tired?](https://www.healthline.com/health/why-am-i-so-tired?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [15 Ways to Combat Tiredness](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-feeling-tired?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [What’s Causing My Fatigue and Nausea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue-and-nausea?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [9 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-boost-energy?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [How Long Does it Really Take to See Workout Results? A Fitness Expert Explains](https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-and-exercise/how-long-does-it-take-to-see-results-from-working-out?utm_source=ReadNext)
© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
- [About Us](https://www.healthline.com/about)
- [Contact Us](https://www.healthline.com/about/contact-us)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.healthline.com/privacy-policy)
- Privacy Settings
- [Advertising Policy](https://www.healthline.com/advertising-policy)
- [Health Topics](https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics)
- [Sitemap](https://www.healthline.com/sitemap)
- [Medical Affairs](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team)
- [Content Integrity](https://www.healthline.com/about/content-integrity)
- [Newsletters](https://www.healthline.com/newsletter-signup)
- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
[About](https://www.healthlinemedia.com/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https://rvohealth.com/careers)[Advertise with us](https://www.healthlinemedia.com/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)
OUR BRANDS
[Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/)[Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/)[Greatist](https://greatist.com/)[Psych Central](https://psychcentral.com/)[Bezzy](https://bezzy.com/)
 |
| Readable Markdown | 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
- [lack of sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body)
- being overweight or [obese](https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity)
- periods of [emotional stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body)
- [boredom](https://www.healthline.com/health/boredom)
- [grief](https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief)
- taking certain medications, such as [antidepressants](https://www.healthline.com/health/antidepressant-side-effects) or sedatives
- using [alcohol](https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body) on a regular basis
- using illicit drugs, such as cocaine
- consuming [too much caffeine](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects)
- not eating a nutritious diet
Physical health conditions
Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:
- [anemia](https://www.healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia)
- [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis)
- [fibromyalgia](https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia)
- [chronic fatigue syndrome](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome)
- infections, such as [cold](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold) and [flu](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/flu)
- [Addison’s disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/addisons-disease), a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
- [hypothyroidism](https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/symptoms-treatments-more), or underactive thyroid
- [hyperthyroidism](https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism), or overactive thyroid
- [sleep disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders), such as insomnia
- [eating disorders](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders), such as anorexia
- [autoimmune disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders)
- [congestive heart failure](https://www.healthline.com/health/congestive-heart-failure)
- [cancer](https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer)
- [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes)
- [kidney disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-failure)
- [liver](https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/liver) disease
- [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/copd)
- [emphysema](https://www.healthline.com/health/emphysema)
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 [blood](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests) or [urine](https://www.healthline.com/health/urinalysis) 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 [stay hydrated](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water)
- [practice healthy eating habits](https://www.healthline.com/health/balanced-diet)
- [exercise](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise) on a regular basis
- [get enough sleep](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sleep-you-need)
- avoid [known stressors](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-causes)
- avoid a work or social schedule that’s overly demanding
- take part in relaxing activities, such as [yoga](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga)
- abstain from alcohol, [tobacco](https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking/effects-on-body), 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. |
| Shard | 98 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 11478817528691466898 |
| Unparsed URL | com,healthline!www,/health/fatigue s443 |