It is normal to feel tired sometimes, despite allowing yourself adequate amounts of sleep. Eating a healthy balanced diet, taking regular exercise, reducing stress levels and getting plenty of rest usually relieves tiredness caused by physical or emotional stress. Occasionally tiredness and lack of energy can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you are constantly tired, seek medical advice.
Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is one of the most frequent medical causes of tiredness. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a protein in the blood, which carries oxygen around the body. In addition to getting tired easily, a lack of iron in the body can cause lethargy, weakness, sensitivity to cold, heavy muscles and irritability. Pregnant women, women that menstruate heavily and people with iron-deficient diets are particularly vulnerable to anemia.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common cause of tiredness during the day. During sleep, the throat becomes restricted and disrupts breathing, causing blood oxygen levels to fall. These interruptions can happen as many as 30 times an hour, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. A person with sleep apnea may snore heavily and wake frequently during the night, consequently feeling tired the next day. Sleep apnea is more common in overweight, middle-aged men and is made worse by drinking alcohol and smoking. People are often unaware they have sleep apnea.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, caused by a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar. Symptoms of diabetes include tiredness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and blurred vision. Prolonged high blood glucose levels can lead to serious health problems including damage to kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Underactive Thyroid
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not make sufficient amounts of hormones needed for controlling metabolism. Symptoms begin slowly and include tiredness, weight gain, muscle aches, stiff joints, a puffy face, dry skin and sensitivity to cold. Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but it is more common in women than men, particularly women over 50, notes FamilyDoctor.org. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to obesity, painful joints, heart disease and infertility.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is characterized by severe tiredness, which goes on for many months, even years. The condition does not get better with bed rest and interferes with normal day-to-day activities. Besides tiredness, other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include a sore throat, headache, joint pain, poor memory and impaired concentration. Symptoms may get worse after physical or mental exertion. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but it may occur as a result of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
