Causes of fatigue: Emotional stress, disturbed sleep, hormonal imbalances could be the culprits

Fatigue causes: Prolonged stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can disrupt sleep, weaken your immune system, and cause mental exhaustion (Image: Canva)

Ever felt like no matter how much you sleep, your energy levels don’t improve? If you’re dragging through your day, struggling to concentrate, or skipping activities because you’re too drained, you might be experiencing fatigue. Unlike occasional tiredness, fatigue is persistent and can disrupt your daily life.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), fatigue can result from lifestyle choices, stress, hormonal changes, illnesses, or medications. Some causes are temporary, while others may signal a more serious underlying issue.

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Common causes of tiredness and fatigue

Lack of sleep: Struggling to fall asleep or waking up frequently during the night can prevent your body from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome can further disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic tiredness. Poor sleep hygiene, like using screens before bed or irregular sleep schedules, also plays a significant role.

Unhealthy lifestyle: An unbalanced diet lacking in essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins can lead to low energy levels and fatigue. Skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine or sugar, and being dehydrated can also deplete your energy. Physical inactivity reduces muscle strength and endurance, making even simple tasks feel exhausting.

Emotional stress: Prolonged stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, can disrupt sleep, weaken your immune system, and cause mental exhaustion. Conditions like anxiety or depression often present as fatigue, with additional symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, or a lack of motivation.

Hormonal imbalances: Periods of hormonal fluctuation such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can result in a change in energy levels. For example, low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) or adrenal insufficiency can cause persistent fatigue. Women may also feel more tired during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or perimenopause due to hormonal shifts.

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Recovering from illness: Fatigue is a common after-effect of infections like glandular fever, COVID-19, and influenza, often lasting weeks or months as the body heals. Chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia also result in long-lasting, unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.

Medication effects: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause drowsiness, lethargy, or weakness as side effects. Always discuss side effects with your doctor if medication impacts your energy levels.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.