The definition of fatigue is extreme tiredness. Severe fatigue makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning and make it through your day. Many conditions and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue. You may be able to relieve it by changing your habits. If an underlying condition causes it, a healthcare provider can usually help you manage it.
Everyone feels tired from time to time. But fatigue means feeling severely overtired. Extreme fatigue makes it hard to get up in the morning, go to work, do your usual activities and make it through your day. Fatigue feels like you have an overwhelming urge to sleep, but you may not feel refreshed after you rest or sleep.
Fatigue often occurs along with other symptoms, such as:
Other fatigue symptoms include:
Anzeige
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Many conditions, disorders, medications and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue. Fatigue can be temporary, or it can be a chronic condition (lasting six months or more). You may be able to quickly fix fatigue by changing your diet, medications, exercise or sleep habits. If an underlying medical condition is causing your fatigue, a healthcare provider can usually treat the condition or help you manage it. Fatigue causes include:
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to fatigue. These factors may include:
Certain sleep disorders can cause long-term exhaustion and extreme fatigue. These may include:
Certain prescription medications can cause fatigue, including:
Certain other medications and treatments can cause fatigue, including:
Fatigue is a symptom of a wide range of diseases, disorders and deficiencies affecting various parts of your body. Hundreds of conditions and disorders can lead to fatigue. Some of the most common causes of fatigue include:
Many infections can cause fatigue, including:
Fatigue is a common symptom of cardiovascular and lung conditions such as:
Fatigue due to certain mental health conditions may make it difficult or impossible to perform daily activities. These conditions may include:
Fatigue is a symptom of many autoimmune diseases, including:
Problems with your endocrine system (the glands in your body that make hormones) can lead to exhaustion. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of fatigue.
Certain chronic conditions can cause severe, long-lasting fatigue. These include:
Anemia and other vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin D or vitamin B12) are often responsible for fatigue. Dehydration can cause fatigue because the body needs plenty of fluids to function.
Certain weight issues and eating disorders can lead to fatigue and a range of other symptoms. These may include:
Anzeige
To find out what’s causing your fatigue, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and medications. They’ll also conduct a physical examination. They might order some lab tests to check certain levels in your blood and urine. Your provider may also order a pregnancy test.
To relieve fatigue, your provider will treat (or help you manage) the condition or disorder that’s causing it. Depending on your health, your treatment plan may include a combination of medication, exercise or therapy. If you’re taking a medication that makes you feel exhausted, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of stopping the medication or trying a new one.
If a medical condition isn’t causing your fatigue, lifestyle changes may improve your symptoms. To reduce fatigue, you can:
It’s normal to feel tired now and then. Everyone experiences occasional, brief fatigue due to illness, sleep disturbances, travel or changes in diet or medication. But you should talk to your healthcare provider if you’re tired all the time. You should also call your provider if:
Fatigue can be a sign of a serious health condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have fatigue along with other symptoms, such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Everyone has bouts of tiredness now and again. But fatigue makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning and make it through your day. Many factors can lead to fatigue, including health conditions, medications and lifestyle habits. If you’ve been feeling overly tired for more than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out the underlying reason for your condition and help you treat or manage it.
Last reviewed on 04/13/2023.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Anzeige
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy