Feeling tired and sluggish no matter how much sleep you get? You’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience fatigue every day.

In most cases, fatigue is a sign that your body is tired or lacking energy, but there are also some hidden causes of fatigue that are often overlooked. Here are some of the most common hidden causes of fatigue and what you can do to combat them.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly. This can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. To combat dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can actually make dehydration worse.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamins play an important role in keeping your body healthy and energized. If your body is lacking in essential vitamins like B12 and D, you may experience fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

To combat vitamin deficiencies, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may also want to consider taking a daily multivitamin.

3. Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is located in your neck and produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid is functioning improperly, you may experience fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.

To combat thyroid disorders, your doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate your hormone levels.

4. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms during the day.

To combat sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a breathing machine or recommend lifestyle changes like losing weight or quitting smoking.

5. Anemia

Anemia is a condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

To combat anemia, you may need to take iron supplements or make changes to your diet to increase your iron intake.

6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest. Other symptoms may include joint pain, sore throat, and headaches.

To combat chronic fatigue syndrome, your doctor may recommend therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy or prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms.

7. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your body and lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms. To combat stress and anxiety, try to identify the root cause of your stress and find ways to manage it.

This may include techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy.

8. Poor Diet

If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, your body may not have the energy it needs to function properly. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

To combat poor diet, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed and high-fat foods, which can actually make fatigue worse.

9. Sedentary Lifestyle

If you’re not getting enough exercise, your body may feel lethargic and lacking in energy. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. To combat a sedentary lifestyle, try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine.

This might include going for a walk in the morning or joining a fitness class.

10. Medications

Some medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. If you’re experiencing fatigue and you’re taking medication, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or ways to manage your symptoms.