Why Am I So Tired All the Time? Causes and What to Do

Everyone feels tired after a long day, poor sleep or a stressful week. But if you keep asking “why am I so tired all the time?”, even after rest, there may be a reason worth finding. Constant tiredness is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor, and in most cases the cause can be found and treated. Here are the common causes, the tests a doctor may do, and what you can do to get your energy back.

Tiredness or fatigue?

Tiredness after effort usually goes away with rest. Fatigue is ongoing exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep and makes it hard to work, concentrate or enjoy life. If you’ve felt this way for more than 2 to 4 weeks, it’s time to look for a cause.

Lifestyle causes of feeling tired all the time

• Not enough sleep, or poor-quality sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours. Late nights, phones in bed, noise, heat and shift work all add up.
• Not drinking enough water. Even mild dehydration can make you feel drained, especially in hot weather.
• Skipping meals or eating mostly sugary or refined foods, which cause energy crashes.
• Too little activity. It sounds odd, but regular exercise boosts energy.
• Too much caffeine or alcohol, which disturb sleep.
• Stress and long working hours, including long commutes and traffic.

Medical causes of constant tiredness

1. Anaemia. Low levels of red blood cells mean less oxygen reaches your body, causing tiredness, weakness, pale skin and breathlessness. Anaemia is common in Nigeria, especially in women with heavy periods, pregnant women and people who have had malaria or worm infections. Read about vitamins and minerals your body needs.

2. Malaria and other infections. Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis can all cause tiredness, sometimes for weeks after the illness. Fatigue with fever, chills or night sweats needs testing.

3. Diabetes. High blood sugar can leave you tired, thirsty and urinating often. Learn more about diabetes in Nigeria.

4. Underactive thyroid. When the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormone, your body slows down, causing tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold and constipation.

5. Sleep apnoea. Breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, so you wake up unrefreshed. Loud snoring, gasping at night and daytime sleepiness are signs, and it is more common in people who are overweight.

6. Depression and anxiety. Low mood, worry and loss of interest often show up as tiredness and poor sleep.

7. Pregnancy. Tiredness is very common in early pregnancy.

8. Medicines. Some medicines, such as certain blood pressure tablets, antihistamines and antidepressants, can cause tiredness. Don’t stop a medicine without speaking to your doctor.

9. Other conditions. Kidney or liver disease, heart problems, low vitamin B12 and some cancers can cause tiredness, though these are less common.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you’ve been tired for more than 2 to 4 weeks without a clear reason, or sooner if tiredness comes with:

• Weight loss you can’t explain
• Fever, chills or night sweats
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Very heavy periods, or blood in your stool
• Extreme thirst or passing a lot of urine
• Low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself

Tests your doctor may do

• Full blood count, to check for anaemia and infection
• Blood sugar or HbA1c, for diabetes
• Thyroid function test
• Malaria test
• Iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels
• Kidney and liver function tests

Treatment depends on the cause, such as iron for anaemia, thyroid medicine or treating an infection.

How to boost your energy

• Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. See these natural ways to sleep better.
• Eat regular, balanced meals with protein, vegetables and whole grains, and don’t skip breakfast.
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Move every day, even a 20-minute walk helps.
• Cut back on caffeine after midday and limit alcohol.
• Take short breaks during work and find ways to manage stress.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I so tired all the time even when I sleep well?
Common causes include anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, infections, sleep apnoea and low mood. A doctor can check with simple blood tests.

What deficiency makes you tired all the time?
Low iron is the most common. Low vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D can also cause tiredness.

How long is too long to feel tired?
If tiredness lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks without a clear reason, see a doctor.

Feeling tired all the time? Book a full health check to get to the root of it.

Planning ahead? See how much an HMO costs in Nigeria and how health insurance for individuals works.

This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.

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