Why Am I Always Tired and Low on Energy? / Causes and Symptoms of Persistent Fatigue

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

SAEDNEWS: According to research, more than a third of American workers suffer from extreme fatigue. One in five adults experiences excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) at least three days a week. Fatigue—a lack of physical or mental energy—can result from lifestyle, illnesses, sleep disorders, or mental health issues.

Why Am I Always Tired and Low on Energy? / Causes and Symptoms of Persistent Fatigue

According to SAEDNEWS, if you constantly feel tired and lethargic and are looking for solutions to address the cause of your fatigue, we recommend reading this article.

Symptoms of Persistent Fatigue

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and lack of sleep can significantly impact health. Often, fatigue isn't linked to serious conditions like cancer, but it can signal important health issues or other risks and problems.

For example, poor sleep quality can increase the likelihood of falling asleep while driving, cause hormonal imbalances, lead to weight gain, or result in chronic pain. Lack of sleep can disrupt quality of life. Some symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

  • Clumsiness and awkward movements

  • Depression

  • Learning difficulties

  • Sleepiness

  • Fatigue

  • Forgetfulness

  • Increased cravings for carbohydrates

  • Loss of motivation

  • Moodiness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Weight gain

Symptoms of Persistent Fatigue to Watch For

If your fatigue is accompanied by any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

  • Dizziness

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Decreased urination

  • Upper abdominal pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Severe headaches

  • Swelling of hands, feet, or ankles

  • Vision changes

Causes of Persistent Fatigue and Lethargy

A night or two of poor sleep, extreme stress, or unusual physical activity can make almost anyone feel this way. Under normal circumstances, the cause of fatigue and lethargy is likely one of the following:

  • Lifestyle factors

  • Common medical causes

  • Sleep disorders

  • Medication side effects

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Fatigue, general weakness, and sleepiness are symptoms associated with many illnesses. EDS symptoms may be linked to the following underlying causes:

  • Anemia

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Cancer

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Depression

  • Diabetes

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Heart disease

  • Infections

  • Menopause

  • Pregnancy

  • Thyroid diseases

These issues affect energy levels and lead to persistent fatigue and lethargy for various reasons. Energy levels can also change due to treatment side effects, as often seen with cancer and chemotherapy.

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