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Ongoing tiredness (fatigue)

Also called: Fatigue, always tired, exhaustion, low energy

Feeling tired most of the time, even after rest. It's very common and has many causes, from poor sleep and stress to anemia, thyroid problems, depression, and other illnesses. Finding the cause is key.

TypeA symptom with many causes
Common causesSleep problems, stress, anemia, depression
First stepsSleep, activity, and a checkup

Overview

Fatigue is more than feeling sleepy. It can make it hard to think, work, and enjoy life.

Most fatigue comes from everyday causes like not enough sleep, stress, or too little activity. If it lasts more than a few weeks, a checkup can look for medical causes.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
  • Low energy

Less common

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleepiness
  • Muscle weakness

Look up a symptom: Fatigue

When to get medical care

Call 911Fatigue with chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or thoughts of suicide (call or text 988).
Get care todaySudden, severe tiredness with fever, weight loss, or bleeding.
See a doctor soonTiredness lasting more than 2 weeks without a clear cause.

Causes

Common causes: poor sleep, sleep apnea, stress, depression, anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, infections, long COVID, ME/CFS, and medicine side effects.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Shift work or poor sleep
  • Chronic illness
  • Stress or depression

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks for the cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • Sleep, mood, stress, and diet
  • Other symptoms

The exam

A full physical exam.

Tests

Common tests:

  • Blood tests: Blood count, thyroid, blood sugar, iron, B12, and vitamin D.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause.

Self-care

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule
  • Move a little each day
  • Eat regular, balanced meals
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol
  • Manage stress

Treating the cause, like anemia or depression, usually helps the tiredness.

Prevention

To keep energy up:

  • Sleep 7 to 9 hours
  • Stay active
  • Eat well

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Older adults: Tiredness can be a sign of heart, thyroid, or other problems.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most fatigue improves when the cause is found and treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Keep a sleep and energy diary.

What to bring

  • Medicine list

Questions to ask

  • What tests should I have?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Ongoing tiredness (fatigue)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.