What Makes a Person Tired All the Time?

Lack of sleep, undiagnosed medical conditions and unhealthy dietary habits can combine to make a person tired all of the time. If lifestyle changes don't fix the situation, see a physician for an evaluation.

Considerations

• The first trimester of pregnancy can cause a person to tire easily. Sleep apnea, a condition in which a person briefly stops breathing during sleep, can also cause daytime fatigue.

Effects

• Your work performance can decline if you're tired. If you're in charge of small children and find yourself falling asleep, you can jeopardize the safety of the children.

Treatments

• Changing your daily habits might help you get over chronic tiredness. Eat healthier, exercise several times a week, go to bed at a decent time and reduce stress. If the exhaustion remains, see a doctor to identify the underlying cause.

Prevention

• Make sure your sleep area is conducive to a good night's rest. Your mattress should be in good condition and should offer good support for your body. Use a fan for white noise if outside factors wake you in the night.

Identification

• Some of the illnesses that contribute to fatigue are diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis and depression. A physician can diagnose these or other issues and prescribe treatment.

Warning

• If the tiredness is so pervasive that you feel like you're on the verge of falling asleep while performing daily tasks, be very careful when driving or operating heavy equipment.