Fatigue: What Causes It and How to Fight It

Feeling tired all the time isn’t just "busy life" — fatigue is a signal. It can come from poor sleep, iron deficiency, thyroid issues, medication side effects, depression, chronic infections, or simply not eating enough fuel. Use this page as a practical guide: spot common causes, know which tests to ask for, and try simple fixes that actually help.

First, check your patterns. Do you wake tired even after enough hours? Is your energy low all day or only after meals? Are you short of breath, dizzy, or losing weight? These details tell your doctor a lot and guide the tests you need.

Quick checks and tests

Start with basic blood work: complete blood count for anemia, TSH for thyroid, fasting glucose or A1c for blood sugar problems, basic metabolic panel for electrolytes and kidney function, and vitamin D and B12 levels. If you take medicines, review them with your clinician — many common drugs list fatigue as a side effect. For sleep problems, consider a sleep study if you snore, gasp during sleep, or nod off while driving.

If tests are normal but you still feel wiped, screen for depression and anxiety. Mental health problems often show up as low energy. Also think about long COVID or other lingering infections if your fatigue followed an illness.

Practical fixes you can try today

Improve sleep first: set a consistent bedtime, remove screens an hour before sleep, and keep the bedroom cool and dark. Move your body — short daily walks boost energy more than long weekend workouts for many people. Eat regular meals with protein and fiber to prevent mid-day crashes. Limit alcohol and heavy carbs late at night. Try replacing one sugary snack with a handful of nuts or a yogurt to see if your afternoon slump lifts.

Supplements can help if tests show deficiency. Take iron only when labs confirm low ferritin. Replace vitamin D or B12 if levels are low. Be cautious with over-the-counter stimulants; they mask symptoms and can disrupt sleep. If herbal options like ashwagandha interest you, talk to your clinician about interactions with your meds.

If lifestyle changes don’t move the needle after a few weeks, push for a deeper look. Ask your provider about referral to a sleep clinic, cardiology, endocrinology, or a specialist in chronic fatigue when symptoms severely limit life. Keep a two-week energy diary — note sleep, meals, mood, and activity — to give your doctor useful data.

Small consistent steps matter: better sleep, steady meals, and a short daily walk can add real energy. Use tests to rule out treatable causes, and avoid quick fixes that hide problems. If you want, I can point you to specific articles on this site about sleep aids, supplements, and medication side effects tied to fatigue.

If you prefer, share a brief health history and current meds and I’ll suggest which article or next step fits you best. No judgement — just practical steps you can try right away today too.