Feeling tired and lacking energy is not uncommon. Depending on the factors, it can be temporary or persistent. However, if you are always tired and unenergized, it can negatively impact your overall quality of life.

Here are 30 surprising reasons you might feel this way.

1. Dehydration

Water is essential to keep the body functioning at an optimal level. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headache, and difficulty concentrating. To avoid dehydration, make sure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.

2. Poor Sleep Quality

Not getting enough sleep or poor quality sleep can make you feel tired and drained. Ensure you meet your recommended hours of sleep and create an optimal sleep environment, such as keeping your bedroom dark and cool.

3. Skipping Breakfast

Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day for a good reason. After going several hours without food while sleeping, eating breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to function throughout the day.

Skipping breakfast can result in symptoms such as fatigue and irritability.

4. Vitamin Deficiency

Insufficient amounts of essential vitamins can cause tiredness and fatigue. For instance, low levels of vitamin D can affect bone health, muscle function, and immunity, resulting in fatigue.

5. Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to produce and carry oxygen. A common symptom of anemia is fatigue due to the lack of oxygen supply needed for the body’s functions.

6. Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, it can result in a condition known as hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue and weight gain.

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition that causes persistent and unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. People with this condition often feel exhausted and experience symptoms such as muscle and joint pain and headaches.

8. Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can cause persistent fatigue and feelings of exhaustion. They can impact the body’s energy levels, leading to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and feeling motivated.

9. Stress

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, the hormone responsible for the body’s fight or flight response. Prolonged stress can lead to chronic fatigue, affecting the body’s natural energy levels.

10. Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise is essential to maintain good health. Inadequate physical activity can lead to weight gain and sluggishness, negatively impacting energy levels.

11. Poor Diet

A poor diet that is high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can cause inflammation and contribute to a lack of energy. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will aid in boosting energy levels.

12. Side Effects of Medication

Some medications cause side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness. It’s essential to speak to your doctor about any side effects you experience from medication.

13. Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergies and sensitivities can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain. Identifying and avoiding allergens can alleviate symptoms and improve energy levels.

14. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing momentarily during the night. This intermittent waking can cause exhaustion and fatigue during the day.

15. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain caused by medical conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain can lead to exhaustion and fatigue. Pain can interfere with sleep quality and the body’s ability to recharge, contributing to tiredness.

16. Deconditioning

Deconditioning happens when the body becomes weaker due to inactivity. Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of endurance can occur due to inactivity.

17. Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a medical condition that affects the production and transport of oxygen. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can lead to fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.

18. Menopause

During menopause, women experience hormonal changes that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue. Hormonal imbalances can cause sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood swings, contributing to exhaustion.

19. Chronic Infections

Chronic infections such as Lyme disease, Epstein Barr Virus, and others can cause persistent fatigue and exhaustion.

20. Alcohol and Drug Use

Excessive alcohol use can cause fatigue, dehydration, and malnutrition. Some drugs can also cause persistent tiredness or weakness.

21. Environmental Factors

Working in environments with poor lighting, excessive heat, or noise exposure can lead to fatigue and exhaustion.

22. Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and can lead to extreme fatigue.

23. Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease can lead to a variety of symptoms including fatigue and weakness.

24. Heart Disease

Heart disease can cause fatigue due to the struggle to pump blood throughout the body effectively.

25. Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can cause fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion due to the effects on the body’s cells and tissues.

26. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition that can cause fatigue, weakness, and cognitive difficulties.

27. Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a medical condition resulting from chronic stress leading to adrenal glands’ overstimulation. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include fatigue and exhaustion due to the inactivity of the adrenal glands.