Causes - Fatigue - Causes and Symptoms

Taking a quick inventory of the things that might be responsible for your fatigue is the first step toward relief. Three general areas cause most cases of fatigue:

Lifestyle problems. Feelings of fatigue often have an obvious cause, such as sleep deprivation, overwork or unhealthy habits.
Psychological problems. Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as depression and grief, and may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, including irritability and lack of motivation.
Medical problems. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying illness, such as a thyroid disorder, heart disease or diabetes.
Common causes of fatigue include:

Common causes of fatigue include:

Acute liver failure
Alcohol use or abuse
Anemia
Anxiety
Caffeine use
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome
COPD
Depression (major depression)
Emphysema
Excessive physical activity
Grief
Heart disease
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Inactivity
Kidney failure, chronic
Lack of sleep
Medications, such as antihistamines, cough and cold remedies, prescription pain medications, heart medications, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants
Obesity
Pregnancy
Recovery from major surgery
Restless legs syndrome
Sleep apnea
Stress
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Unhealthy eating habits

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.