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What Causes Excess Fatigue?

Fatigue is characterized by a general weariness and a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness or sleepiness sometimes also accompany fatigue, but fatigue is not the same as feeling like you need to sleep. Occasionally experiencing fatigue is normal, but daily or frequent fatigue indicates an illness or disorder.

  1. Stress, Exertion or Boredom

    • Stressful situations, emotional exertion and boredom lead to fatigue. For example, a feeling of being weary and tired sometimes occurs after having a high-pressure job interview or playing a long tennis match. This type of fatigue is normal and does not indicate a problem. Fatigue caused by stress, exertion or boredom typically disappears after rest and relaxation.

    Illnesses

    • Many illnesses cause excess fatigue such as anemia, thyroid problems, hay fever or asthma caused by an allergy, insomnia, sleep apnea, depression, grief, anorexia, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, arthritis, fibromyalgia and liver disease. Congestive heart failure, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases and Addison's disease sometimes are also responsible. Regularly abusing alcohol or narcotics also causes fatigue.

    Medications

    • Some medications cause a side effect of fatigue. For example, sleeping pills, antihistamines for allergies, diuretics, steroids and blood pressure medications cause weariness. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your medications are causing fatigue. Do not stop taking medications without consulting your doctor.

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also causes excess fatigue. Doctors only diagnose patients with this disorder after they have eliminated all other possible causes. CFS often causes weakness, memory impairment, insomnia, concentration problems, headaches and sore throat along with intense, incapacitating fatigue. People with CFS usually do not feel refreshed after sleeping. There is no diagnostic test that identifies CFS. Doctors are not sure what causes the condition.

    Reducing Fatigue

    • If you are experiencing fatigue, get consistent and adequate sleep each night and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Exercise regularly and take steps to reduce the stress in your life. For example, address problems at work or pursue relaxing hobbies such as yoga. Do not rely on stimulants such as caffeine to reduce fatigue, and do not take drugs or drink alcohol. See your doctor if fatigue does not go away.

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