Do you often feel like you don’t have the energy to do anything, even once you wake up in the morning? Are your eyes always heavy and do you always feel like you could use a nap? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be suffering from fatigue.

Fatigue is more common than you might think. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 15 percent of women and 10 percent of men regularly feel very tired or exhausted.

The good news is that fatigue is often temporary and can be treated without medication. But if your fatigue is ongoing, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common cause of tiredness. It is a disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep, which can result in brief awakenings throughout the night. This can cause you to feel tired and less alert during the day.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, you should see your doctor. They can give you a test to diagnose the condition and may recommend a sleep specialist to help you manage it.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. This can happen due to a variety of health issues, such as iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic diseases.

Anemia can cause fatigue because your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to your tissues and organs.

If you suspect that you may have anemia, your doctor can run a blood test to check your red blood cell levels. If you do have anemia, your doctor may recommend supplements or dietary changes to help increase your iron or vitamin levels.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder that can cause extreme tiredness that lasts for more than six months. Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include muscle pain, memory loss, and concentration problems.

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not yet known, and there is no specific treatment.

If you have been experiencing ongoing fatigue, along with other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, you should talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a specialist who can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in appetite.

If you are suffering from depression, it is important to get help as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing fatigue, along with other symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. They may recommend therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help manage your symptoms.

Thyroid Issues

The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.

There are two thyroid disorders that may cause fatigue: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

If you think you may be suffering from a thyroid disorder, your doctor can run a blood test to check your hormone levels. If your levels are off, they may recommend medication to help regulate your thyroid function.

Lifestyle Factors

Aside from underlying health issues, lifestyle factors can also contribute to ongoing fatigue. Some common factors include:.

Lack of sleep
Poor diet/nutrition
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress

If you think your fatigue may be related to lifestyle factors, try to identify any changes you can make to your habits. This may include getting more sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and finding ways to manage stress.

When to See a Doctor

If you have been experiencing ongoing fatigue, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend treatment options. Some signs that you should see a doctor include:.