17 Things That Could Be Causing Your Chronic Fatigue
This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you.
Feeling tired all the time can really affect your life. Chronic fatigue can have many causes, and knowing what might be behind it can help you find ways to feel better.
Here’s a list of things that could be causing your chronic fatigue. If you’ve been feeling tired for a long time, some of these might be the reason.
Poor Sleep Habits
Not getting enough sleep or having poor sleep quality can lead to chronic fatigue. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid screens before bed and make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lacking certain vitamins and minerals can make you feel tired all the time. Iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D are especially important for energy. Eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help. You might also want to talk to a doctor about getting your nutrient levels checked.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can lead to fatigue. Your body needs water to function well. Try to drink water throughout the day. If you’re not sure how much to drink, a good rule is to drink when you’re thirsty and to have clear or light yellow pee.
Stress
Ongoing stress can wear you out and lead to chronic fatigue. Finding ways to manage stress, like exercise, meditation, or talking to friends, can help. If stress is overwhelming, talking to a therapist might be a good idea.
Thyroid Problems
Your thyroid gland plays a big role in your energy levels. Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can cause fatigue. If you’re always tired, it might be worth getting your thyroid checked by a doctor.
Depression
Feeling tired all the time is a common sign of depression. If you’re also feeling sad, hopeless, or uninterested in things you used to enjoy, talk to a doctor or therapist. Depression is treatable, and getting help can make a big difference.
Anemia
Anemia happens when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. This can make you feel very tired. Eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements (if recommended by a doctor) can help.
Chronic Pain
Dealing with pain all the time can be exhausting. If you have ongoing pain, working with a doctor to manage it might help improve your energy levels. This could involve medication, physical therapy, or other treatments.
Food Intolerances
Some people feel very tired after eating certain foods. Common culprits are gluten, dairy, and sugar. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel afterward might help you spot any problem foods.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Not moving enough can actually make you feel more tired. Regular exercise can boost your energy levels. Start small with short walks and build up to more activity over time.
Caffeine Overload
While caffeine can give you a quick energy boost, too much can lead to a crash later and disrupt your sleep. Try cutting back on caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Medications
Some medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. If you’re taking any medications and feeling very tired, talk to your doctor. They might be able to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
Sleep Apnea
This sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing for short periods during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. If you snore loudly or wake up gasping for air, talk to a doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea.
Diabetes
High or low blood sugar levels can cause fatigue. If you’re always tired and also have symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination, get checked for diabetes.
Heart Disease
Heart problems can make you feel tired all the time. If you’re feeling very fatigued, especially with exercise, and have other symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, see a doctor.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. If you’ve been extremely tired for months and can’t find another cause, talk to a doctor about chronic fatigue syndrome.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormones, like those during menopause or with low testosterone, can cause fatigue. If you think hormones might be the issue, talk to a doctor about getting your levels checked.
15 Annoying Trends Everyone Secretly Hates

15 Annoying Trends Everyone Secretly Hates