Causes of Extreme Fatigue

Extreme fatigue can make it difficult to impossible to get up and go about normal daily activities, hold a job and take care of yourself. People with extreme fatigue may have an underlying condition causing their symptoms, or the fatigue may be caused by personal behaviors that could be changed to relieve the symptoms. Consider these facts from the Mayo Clinic about the causes of extreme fatigue.

Sleep Deprivation

• Although obvious, extreme fatigue is a symptom of sleep deprivation that may be due to anxiety, medications, and conditions such as pregnancy or restless leg syndrome.

Overwork

• Working too much at your job or doing strenuous workouts at the gym, such as training for a marathon, can cause extreme fatigue.

Depression

• Clinical depression can last for months or longer if not treated, and can cause extreme fatigue, a lack of motivation and loss of enjoyment of life.

Illnesses

• Infections such as mono and the flu, and other illnesses such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) may weaken the body and cause extreme fatigue lasting for several weeks or longer.

Anemia

• Anemia is a chronic blood disorder resulting from low iron, and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, prolonged exhaustion and sleepiness.

Thyroid Disorders

• Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause problems with metabolism and result in symptoms such as extreme fatigue.

Diabetes

• Extreme fatigue could be a symptom of diabetes, especially if accompanied by other diabetes symptoms such as frequent urination, thirstiness and weight loss.