Fatigue: Why You’re So Tired and What to Do About It
Feeling drained every day isn’t just bad luck. Fatigue is a signal. It can come from poor sleep, stress, medicines, hormones, infections, or conditions like anemia and hypothyroidism. The trick is to find the most likely cause and try simple fixes before moving to tests and treatments.
First, run a quick self-check: are you sleeping 7–9 hours but still sleepy? Do you snore, wake gasping, or feel worse after naps? Are you on medicines like antidepressants or antihistamines? Is your mood low or is your appetite changed? Answering these helps point toward sleep problems, medication side effects, or mood disorders.
Simple fixes you can try today
Improve sleep habits: go to bed and wake up at the same time, cut screens 60 minutes before sleep, cool and dark room, and avoid big meals late at night. Try these for two weeks before moving on.
Check caffeine and alcohol: caffeine late in the day and evening alcohol both mess with sleep depth. Switch to earlier coffee and limit alcohol to see if mornings feel brighter.
Move more: short, regular walks boost energy better than long, hard workouts when you’re exhausted. Aim for 20–30 minutes most days. Even small activity breaks during the day cut fatigue for many people.
Eat for steady energy: choose protein plus low-GI carbs at meals (eggs and whole-grain toast, Greek yogurt with berries). Skip long gaps between meals; low blood sugar spikes can sap energy.
Watch medicine side effects: many prescriptions cause tiredness. If a change in energy started after a new drug, talk to the prescriber. Our guide on antidepressant weight control explains how mood meds change appetite and energy, which can help you spot patterns.
When simple fixes aren’t enough
See a doctor if fatigue lasts more than two weeks despite lifestyle changes, or if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, high fever, unexplained weight loss, or new neurological symptoms. These can be signs of serious problems that need tests.
Common medical causes your doctor may check: full blood count (for anemia), thyroid tests, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and sleep studies for apnea. Depression and anxiety are common fatigue drivers and are treatable—don’t ignore mood changes.
For persistent daytime sleepiness linked to real sleep disorders, medications like modafinil (Provigil) help certain patients. Read our detailed Provigil guide to understand uses, risks, and when drugs are appropriate vs. lifestyle fixes.
Fatigue rarely resolves with one change. Tackle the obvious things first—sleep, movement, diet, and medicine review—then follow up with your doctor for targeted testing. Small changes often add up fast; if they don’t, get help so you can stop guessing and start feeling better.
