Medically Reviewed

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired after a long day. It’s an intense and constant sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep. Even simple tasks like getting out of bed, going to school or work, or doing daily activities can feel overwhelming when dealing with fatigue. You may have a strong urge to sleep, but you might not feel fully refreshed even after sleeping.

There are many potential causes of fatigue. It can be linked to health conditions, both mental and physical, ranging from mild to severe. Lifestyle choices, such as poor sleep habits, lack of exercise, or an unbalanced diet, can also play a role.

If rest, healthy eating, and exercise don’t relieve your fatigue, or if you suspect an underlying health issue, you must see a doctor. They can help find the cause and recommend ways to treat it.

Fatigue Symptoms

Fatigue can affect people in many ways, impacting the mind and body. One of the most common signs is feeling constantly tired or lacking energy, even after resting or sleeping. This exhaustion can make daily tasks overwhelming and challenging to start or finish.

Fatigue often comes with mental symptoms such as:

Trouble focusing or concentrating, sometimes called “brain fog.”
Forgetfulness or memory problems
Difficulty making decisions or thinking clearly
A low mood or feelings of apathy, where you lose interest or motivation

It can also show up as physical symptoms, which might include:

Muscle weakness or sore, achy muscles
Headaches
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Slow reflexes and responses
Loss of appetite
Tired eyes or blurred vision

Other signs might be mood-related, such as irritability or mood swings. Sometimes, fatigue can even affect your body's functions, making you more prone to getting sick due to a reduced immune system.

Many people don’t notice their fatigue initially because it can gradually worsen. They may think it’s just due to being busy, stressed, or not getting enough sleep. If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, speaking with a doctor to find the cause and help improve your quality of life is essential.

Fatigue Causes

Fatigue can be caused by many factors affecting the body and mind. These causes can be grouped into three main categories: lifestyle, physical, and mental health. Below is an outline of common causes in each category:

Lifestyle Factors

Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality
Overworking or doing excessive physical activity without rest
Lack of physical activity or exercise
Poor diet or an unhealthy eating pattern
Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
Use of recreational drugs
High levels of emotional stress or significant life changes (e.g., moving house, getting married)
Boredom or not engaging in mentally stimulating activities
Working night shifts, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle

Physical Health Conditions

Anaemia (low iron levels)
Thyroid problems (e.g., underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism)
Diabetes, primarily if not well-managed
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Heart or lung conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma)
Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., low vitamin D or B12)
Infections such as the flu or glandular fever
Chronic illnesses like liver or kidney disease
Side effects of certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, painkillers)

Mental Health Issues

Depression, which can cause severe, long-lasting fatigue
Anxiety leads to physical and mental exhaustion
High levels of stress that interfere with sleep and overall energy
Grief and other emotionally tricky experiences
Seasonal affective disorder or other mood-related issues

If you’re experiencing fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest or lifestyle changes, seeking medical advice to find the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment is important.

Fatigue Treatment

Treating fatigue depends on its cause. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on what they find during your check-up. To determine the reason, they may ask questions about when your fatigue began, what makes it better or worse, and if you have other symptoms. They’ll likely ask about your lifestyle, stress levels, and medications. If needed, they might order tests, like blood or urine tests, to find any underlying health conditions.

Medical Treatments: If an underlying health issue is identified, your treatment could include:

Medications to control conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Iron supplements for anaemia.
CPAP machines or similar therapies for sleep apnea.
Antibiotics to treat infections.
Vitamin supplements for deficiencies.

Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Fatigue: In many cases, lifestyle changes can reduce fatigue. Here are some helpful tips:

Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Eat a nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly to boost energy and overall health.
Prioritise sleep by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.
Limit alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening, to improve sleep.
Avoid smoking and other unhealthy habits.

Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

If you have mental health issues like anxiety or depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor for support and treatment. While lifestyle changes can make a big difference, following your doctor’s treatment plan for any diagnosed condition is essential for feeling better and staying healthy.

Fatigue Management Tips

If you’re dealing with fatigue and it’s not due to a medical issue, lifestyle changes can help you feel more energised. Here are some tips to manage and reduce fatigue:

Get consistent sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours each night and keep a regular sleep schedule.
Exercise regularly: Try for at least 30 minutes of activity most days, but don’t overdo it.
Eat a balanced diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation.
Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your weight within a healthy range to boost energy.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid these close to bedtime for better sleep quality.
Avoid drugs and smoking: These can disturb sleep and reduce energy levels.
Take breaks during the day: Short breaks can help you recharge and focus.
Talk to a doctor if needed: Seek medical advice if fatigue persists.

Mobi Doctor can help by providing expert guidance to identify the causes of your fatigue and offering personalised treatment plans. With professional consultations, we can suggest lifestyle changes, recommend exercises, and guide you on managing stress and sleep habits to improve your energy levels and overall well-being.

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Medically Reviewed

Chrysoula I. Liakou

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue Symptoms