Feeling tired all the time? 10 common causes
Over 30% of the population feel tired very often. There may be no serious cause. But it can be a sign of certain diseases.
Here are 10 of the commoner causes of being tired all the times, and associated symptoms.
1. Sleep apnoea syndrome – due to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
Tired during the day because of waking up at night, making gasping, snorting or choking noises at night and loud snoring.
Simple lack of sleep (without OSA) can make you tired all the time (see lifestyle issues below).
2. Anaemia (and its causes)
This means a lack of blood in the body. It leads to a lack of energy, noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin. There are many causes, including iron, B12 and folate deficiency (each of which has underlying causes, which need investigation).
3. Diabetes
Very tired, feeling very thirsty, peeing more often than usual (particularly at night), weight loss.
4. Underactive or overactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Hypothyroidism symptoms may include: tiredness, more sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain., puffy face, hoarse voice, coarse hair and skin, and constipation.
- Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include: being hard to stay still, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety and irritability, muscle weakness, and diarrhoea.
5. Chronic fatigue syndromes (CFSs) – including myalgic encephalomyelitis and Long COVID
Extreme fatigue for at least 3 months (making it very hard to do daily activities), problems with thinking, memory and concentration, flu-like symptoms. Glandular fever (due to Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV) and now COVID-19 are well known viral causes.
6. Depression and/or anxiety (and other mental illnesses)
Both depression and anxiety can present with physical symptoms including tiredness.
7. Lifestyle issues
- Not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia)
- An unhealthy lifestyle, such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise
8. Pregnancy-related
- Pregnancy, especially first 12 weeks
- Dealing with life challenges, such as looking after a new baby.
9. Autoimmune disease – e.g. SLE, Rheumatoid disease and Coeliac disease
These can all present without typical symptoms.
10. Some medical treatments and medicines
E.g. chemotherapy, or strong drugs to suppress the immune system.
Rarer causes
- Hypoadrenalism (underactive adrenal gland)
- Chronic heart failure (CHF), CKD and chronic liver disease. They can all cause anaemia as well
- Muscular diseases.
Summary
We have provided 10 common causes of feeling tired all the time. It may not be anything serious. We hope it has been helpful.
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