Common causes of fatigue

Everyone feels tired or fatigued at some point in their lives. Usually there’s a good explanation, such as coming down with the common cold or flu, having a late night out, or falling short on your sleep. It’s normal to be tired during those times. Then after a good night’s sleep, most are refreshed and bounce right back. While endurance can decline with age, experiencing constant fatigue is not a natural part of aging. Fatigue occurring for weeks at a time, with no apparent reason, is usually a sign of some kind of underlying cause.

Fatigue is a common symptom of certain medical conditions. It can also be a reflection of lifestyle choices. Here are four categories of possible causes:
Physical health or medical conditions

• Anemia. This is a condition where your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. The result is a drop in your energy level, making you feel tired and weak. There are many different types of anemia. One common type is caused by an iron deficiency. Iron is important for the production of healthy red blood cells. Therefore, diet is key for this type of anemia. Iron-rich foods include red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts.

• Heart disease. Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect how the heart functions. Your heart is a muscle and its job is to pump blood throughout your body. When it doesn’t function efficiently, fluid can accumulate in your lungs, which can lead to difficulties with breathing and shortness of breath. This lowers the amount of oxygen being supplied to your heart and lungs. Not having enough oxygen throughout your body results in a drop in your energy level.

• Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid is a gland that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate your body’s metabolism or how your body uses energy. An underactive thyroid gland cannot make enough hormone to keep the body running normally and in turn, many of the body’s functions slow down. This can cause you to be fatigued, feeling cold, depressed and even gain weight. The good news is that this condition usually responds well to thyroid hormone medication.

• Vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is unique because your body is able to produce it. When exposed to enough sunlight, vitamin D is made right in your skin. Individuals at risk of being vitamin D deficient, are those who spend most of their time indoors and have little exposure to direct sunlight. It is also more common during the autumn and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Fatigue can be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin D can be found in foods, but only in a small number of foods, and in small amounts. Foods include egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified milk and cereal products. Vitamin D supplements are also available.

Sleeping disturbances
• Broken sleep. Sleep disturbances related to repeated nighttime bathroom trips such in the case of having an overactive bladder or enlarged prostate. Getting up multiple times through the night can leave you feeling fatigued the next day.
• Sleep apnea. This is a sleeping disorder where you stop breathing for short periods of time through the night. It is common among older adults, especially in men and overweight individuals. Most people are not aware of it, but it can cause severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and mood swings. People with sleep apnea often find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching television and even when driving.

Emotional well-being
• Boredom. Being bored can cause you to be tired. Having too much time on your hands, with no direction or motivation, makes for a very long day. But it doesn’t have to be that way: engage in social activities, take up a new hobby, or consider volunteering for local charities. When you do so, it can give you a sense of purpose and help you to maintain emotional well-being.

• Mental health. Anxiety, depression, grief and stress – all take a toll on your energy and can contribute to chronic fatigue. Emotional stressors such as getting over the loss of a loved one, having financial concerns, difficulty with vision/hearing, and a loss of independence can manifest in the physical form of fatigue. It is important to recognize and manage these mental health issues, as your mental health affects how you think, feel, and behave. Your physical well-being is directly related to your ability to deal with problems and how you take care of your mental health. \

Lifestyle Habits
•Poor diet. Malnutrition or a lack of healthy foods can cause fatigue. Junk foods like fried foods and sweets, have few nutrients to offer but are high in fat and sugar content. Eating these may make you feel good at that time but very quickly leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Instead, choose nutritious foods to get the energy boost you need to do the things you enjoy.

• Caffeine. Drinking too many caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and/or pop, especially late in the day can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, especially as the day goes on.

• Physical inactivity. Lack of exercise can lead to many physical health conditions and can add to feelings of anxiety and depression. Anyone, at any age, can do some form of activity. Even taking a simple walk around the block has benefits. Regular exercise improves energy levels and generates endorphins, which has numerous physical and mental health benefits.

• Smoking. Smoking is linked to many serious health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems. Many of these conditions are tied in with fatigue. No matter your age or health status, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to improve the length and quality of life.

This list of conditions is not exhaustive and only includes some of the more common ones. If you experience fatigue that doesn’t resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or you think it may be caused by an underlying physical or mental condition (like the ones mentioned), please talk with your doctor. This write-up is meant to raise awareness and should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor. It’s important to talk with your doctor so they can diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.