Fatigue is a normal reaction to exertion, stress, sleeplessness and boredom, according to MedlinePlus. Fatigue is a serious condition if it is characterized by a lack of energy that is not relieved by sleep, nutrition or the removal of stress. Fatigue can result from psychological or physical conditions. MayoClinic.com suggests that fatigue is a profound and constant state of weariness that often is corrected by lifestyle changes. Your doctor can evaluate your fatigue to identify the cause.
Lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits, caffeine, frequent use of alcohol and substance abuse can cause fatigue. If you fail continuously to get enough sleep you can experience fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com. Both inactivity and excessive physical activity can cause fatigue.
Medical Diseases and Conditions
Allergies, like hay fever, are a common cause of fatigue. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, the conditions can cause you to feel fatigued. If you suffer from anemia or iron deficiency anemia, you probably experience fatigue, according to MedlinePlus. Other conditions that can cause fatigue include chronic pain, overactive and underactive thyroid, restless legs syndromes, diabetes, heart disease and kidney or liver failure, according to MayoClinic.com.
Medications
Fatigue is a side effect of many medications, according to MedlinePlus. Antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, prescription pain medications and some antidepressants can cause fatigue. If you take medication for heart disease or high blood pressure, you might experience fatigue.
Emotional and Psychological Problems
Depression, especially major depression, can cause fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com. Other psychological causes of fatigue are anxiety and stress. The emotional toll of grief can cause you to feel fatigue that is not improved with sleep.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders that consistently disrupt your sleep can cause fatigue. If you suffer from insomnia, narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, you will eventually experience fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com.
Menopause
Sleeplessness is a major symptom of menopause. Menopausal women have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, often because of hot flashes and night sweats, according to WomensHealth.gov. According to 34 Menopause Symptoms, hormonal imbalance causes fatigue in menopausal women by interrupting sleep patterns.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
MayoClinic.com defines chronic fatigue syndrome as a disorder that causes extreme fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and is often made worse by physical or mental exertion. MayoClinic.com notes that medical professionals disagree on the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, but effective treatments are available if you have the condition.
