Feeling tired all the time can be frustrating as it can have a negative impact on your daily life, mood, and productivity.

While fatigue can be a symptom of many underlying health conditions, it can also be due to certain lifestyle factors, dietary habits, or psychological issues that can be easily addressed. In this article, we’ve listed 30 possible causes of constant fatigue for you to check and see if any may apply to you.

1. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common medical condition that can cause fatigue. It is characterized by loud snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, and recurrent awakenings throughout the night.

Sleep apnea can affect the quality and duration of sleep, causing daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

2. Anemia

Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Anemia can result from iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, internal bleeding, or certain chronic diseases. If you have symptoms of anemia, see your doctor and get your blood tested.

3. Thyroid Dysfunction

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause fatigue. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a sluggish metabolism and low energy levels.

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism and fatigue. If you suspect thyroid dysfunction, consult your doctor and get your thyroid levels checked.

4. Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that can make you feel sad, hopeless, and unmotivated. Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of depression, as it can affect your sleep, appetite, and physical activity.

If you think you may have depression, seek professional help and treatment, such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that causes persistent fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. CFS can also cause memory problems, sore throat, muscle pain, and headaches.

The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but it may be triggered by viral infections, immune dysfunction, or psychological stress. If you suspect CFS, talk to your doctor and get a referral to a specialist.

6. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can cause fatigue, muscle stiffness, and sleep disturbances. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it may involve abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord. If you think you may have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor and get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

7. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, or migraines, can cause fatigue due to the physical and emotional strain they impose.

Chronic pain can interfere with your sleep, mood, and daily activities, leading to exhaustion and reduced quality of life. If you have chronic pain, talk to your doctor and explore pain management strategies, such as medication, physical therapy, or relaxation techniques.

8. Medication Side Effects

Some medications can cause fatigue as a side effect, especially if they affect your central nervous system, such as sedatives, antidepressants, or antihistamines.

If you recently started taking a new medication and noticed an increase in fatigue, talk to your doctor and see if they can adjust the dosage or switch to a different drug.

9. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough fluids to replenish the water lost through sweating, breathing, and urination. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid or limit diuretic beverages, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol.

10. Nutrient Deficiencies

Your body needs various nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, to function properly. If you’re deficient in any of these nutrients, you may experience fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

To ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, eat a balanced and varied diet, or consider taking supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

11. Poor Sleep Habits

If you don’t get enough quality sleep, you’re likely to feel fatigued and lethargic during the day.

Common causes of poor sleep include staying up too late, using electronic devices before bedtime, sleeping in a noisy or uncomfortable environment, or having a sleep disorder. To improve your sleep habits, establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time, create a sleep-conducive environment, and avoid stimulants before bedtime.

12. Sedentary Lifestyle

If you don’t move your body enough, you’re at risk of developing fatigue, muscle weakness, and other health problems. Prolonged sitting or lying down can decrease your circulation, metabolism, and energy levels, making you feel sluggish.

To combat sedentary behavior, incorporate physical activity into your day, such as walking, cycling, or strength training, and take frequent breaks from prolonged sitting.

13. Overworking

If you’re constantly busy and stressed, you’re likely to feel fatigued and burnt out. Overworking can make you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and irritable, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.

To prevent overworking, prioritize your tasks, delegate or outsource when possible, and take regular breaks to rest, recharge, and pursue enjoyable activities.

14. Chronic Stress

Chronic stress, whether from work, finances, relationships, or other sources, can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Stress can cause fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems, headaches, and other symptoms.

To manage chronic stress, practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or therapy, and make lifestyle changes that promote relaxation and self-care.

15. Poor Diet

If you consume a diet that is high in sugar, refined carbs, saturated fats, and processed foods, you’re unlikely to get the nutrients and energy your body needs.

A poor diet can cause fatigue, mood swings, digestive problems, and other health issues. To improve your diet, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and limit or avoid junk food.

16. Food Sensitivities

If you’re sensitive or allergic to certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, or soy, you may experience fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and other symptoms after consuming them.

Food sensitivities can also trigger immune reactions, inflammation, and gut problems that can affect your energy levels. To identify and manage food sensitivities, try an elimination diet, get tested by a healthcare professional, or consult a registered dietitian.

17. Infection or Illness

If you recently had a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19, it’s common to feel fatigued and weak for a few weeks afterward. Your body needs time to recover from the illness and regenerate its immune system.

Moreover, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, can also cause fatigue due to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and other factors. If you’re unsure whether your fatigue is due to an infection or illness, consult your doctor for an evaluation.

18. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or menstrual cycles, can cause fatigue due to the fluctuation of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones.

Hormonal imbalances can also cause other symptoms, such as mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. If you suspect hormonal changes are causing your fatigue, talk to your doctor and get a hormonal evaluation.

19. Allergies and Asthma

Allergies, such as hay fever, and asthma can cause fatigue due to the respiratory symptoms they produce, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Allergies and asthma can also disturb your sleep and affect your energy levels during the day.

To manage allergies and asthma, avoid triggers, take prescribed medications, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

20. Environmental Toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as mold, pesticides, or heavy metals, can cause fatigue due to the toxic load they put on your liver and other organs.

Environmental toxins can also interfere with your immune system, digestion, and hormone balance, leading to other symptoms. To reduce your exposure to environmental toxins, avoid or minimize contact with toxic substances, increase ventilation and air filtration in your home and workplace, and detoxify your body under medical supervision.

21. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter and sunlight is scarce. SAD can cause fatigue, depression, and other symptoms that can affect your daily life.

To manage SAD, try exposure to bright light, increase your vitamin D intake, and talk to your doctor or mental health professional for treatment options.

If you feel lonely, isolated, or unsupported, you’re at risk of developing fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Lack of social support can affect your mental and physical health, leading to feelings of exhaustion and disconnection.

To improve your social support, try to connect with friends, family, or support groups, or seek professional help if needed.

23. Chronic Fatigue Due to Unknown Causes

In some cases, chronic fatigue may have no apparent cause or may be due to a combination of factors that are difficult to pinpoint.

In such cases, you may benefit from a multidisciplinary and personalized approach that combines medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions. Consult a healthcare professional who specializes in chronic fatigue and explore treatment options.

24. Jet Lag

If you travel frequently across different time zones, you may experience jet lag, which can cause fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Jet lag occurs when your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is disrupted by the change of light exposure and meal times. To minimize jet lag, try to adjust your sleep and meal schedule before and after the trip, get exposure to sunlight, and stay hydrated.

25. Menstrual Fatigue

Menstrual fatigue is a type of fatigue that occurs during the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, blood loss, and other factors. Menstrual fatigue can cause physical and emotional exhaustion, mood swings, and reduced performance.

To manage menstrual fatigue, rest as needed, stay hydrated, eat well, and try stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga or meditation.

26. Ironman Syndrome

Ironman syndrome is a type of fatigue that occurs in athletes who overtrain and neglect rest and recovery. It is characterized by chronic fatigue, decreased performance, and increased risk of injury and illness.

To prevent or manage ironman syndrome, incorporate adequate rest and recovery periods into your training schedule, eat well, and listen to your body’s signals.

27. Shift Work Disorder

If you work night shifts, rotating shifts, or long hours, you’re at risk of developing shift work disorder, a condition that can cause chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other health problems.

Shift work disorder can affect your circadian rhythm, metabolism, and mood, leading to increased risk of accidents, errors, and health complications. To manage shift work disorder, try to improve your sleep habits, optimize your work schedule, and seek medical attention if needed.

28. Seasonal Fatigue

Seasonal fatigue is a type of fatigue that occurs in the spring and summer due to heat and humidity, allergies, and other environmental factors. Seasonal fatigue can cause lethargy, dehydration, and decreased performance.

To manage seasonal fatigue, stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, apply sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activities during peak sun hours.

29. Medical Treatments

Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can cause fatigue as a side effect due to the stress they put on your body. Medical treatments can also interfere with your sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

To manage medical-related fatigue, get enough rest and sleep, eat nutritious foods, and follow your treatment plan as instructed.

30. Unresolved Emotional Issues

Unresolved emotional issues, such as trauma, grief, or guilt, can cause chronic fatigue as they drain your mental and emotional energy. Emotional issues can also affect your sleep, appetite, and relationships, leading to increased stress and fatigue.

To address unresolved emotional issues, seek therapy, counseling, or support groups, and practice self-compassion and self-care.