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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffTaking a quick inventory of the things that might be responsible for your fatigue is the first step toward relief. Three general areas cause most cases of fatigue:
- Lifestyle problems. Feelings of fatigue often have an obvious cause, such as sleep deprivation, overwork or unhealthy habits.
- Psychological problems. Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as depression and grief, and may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, including irritability and lack of motivation.
- Medical problems. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying illness, such as a thyroid disorder, heart disease or diabetes.
Common causes of fatigue include:
- Acute liver failure
- Alcohol use or abuse
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Caffeine use
- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- COPD
- Depression (major depression)
- Emphysema
- Excessive physical activity
- Grief
- Heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Inactivity
- Kidney failure, chronic
- Lack of sleep
- Medications, such as antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, prescription pain medications, heart medications, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Recovery from major surgery
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Stress
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Unhealthy eating habits
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
