Fatigue can arise not only due to overexertion or lack of sleep but also warn about more serious health problems. Below we discuss 11 possible causes of fatigue and offer solutions that could help reduce or even resolve the fatigue. 

Cause of fatigue No. 1: insufficient sleep

It may seem evident but perhaps you sleep too little. It may have a negative impact on your focus and health in general. An adult should sleep for 7-9 hours every night.

What to do: put your sleep as your priority #1 and follow a routine sleep schedule. Do not use laptops, mobile phones and TV in your bedroom and do not allow other members of family to break this rule. If you still cannot seem to get enough of sleep after taking these measures seek help from a doctor. You may experience sleeping disorders.

Cause of fatigue No. 2: sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is rather widespread condition which considerably deteriorates person's wellbeing, and it affects even up to 10% of population. Besides, it can affect any person regardless of age. During sleep apnoea airways are blocked and thus create pauses in breathing. Each paused breathing episode wake you up for a moment although you might not even notice it. Sleep apnoea can be identified by loud snoring and silence breaks in between the snoring. Result: you lack good quality sleep despite “sleeping” even eight hours.

What to do: If you have overweight – try to decrease it, give up smoking if that is the case and perhaps you might use a device which helps maintaining airways open during the sleep.

Cause of fatigue No. 3: excessively low energy levels

If you are on a diet or simply eat insufficient amount of food, it may lead to fatigue; however, if you eat normally, you could look for unbalanced diet as the underlying cause. A balanced diet helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent fatigue when the blood sugar levels drop.

What to do: always have your breakfast and try to include protein and complex carbohydrates in every meal. Also, try to eat small portions several times a day to keep that energy nice and steady.

Cause of fatigue No. 4: anaemia

10-25% of population, mainly women, suffer from different types of anaemia. Anaemia is decrease of haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythrocytes (red blood cells) below the recommended range. Anaemia can appear at any age, not only in certain conditions, but also due to different physiological states, such as pregnancy, rapid growth, lactation. Anaemia may develop due to hormonal changes, dietary changes, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney conditions, autoimmune diseases, surgeries, during puberty and menopause etc. Anaemia may present as a symptom of various oncological and infectious diseases of internal organs. The most common is iron deficiency anaemia (90%), chronic conditions-related anaemia is observed much less often and even more seldom one can encounter B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency anaemia.

What to do: If you suffer from iron deficiency anaemia you can eat products that are rich in iron, for example, lean meat, liver, crustaceans, and the tastiest one – dark chocolate (70-85%) as well as take iron supplements.

Cause of fatigue No. 5: depression

Most of the society perceives depression as emotional disorder, however it drives also many physical symptoms. Fatigue, headache and loss of appetite are one of the most common symptoms accompanying depression. If you have had low mood, negative thoughts, disturbed sleep and slowed down somatic thought and motion functions, fading wish to interact with the outside world for a long time you most probably have a depression.

What to do: If you have observed some of the symptoms of depression yet are not really sure of their cause, visit your general practitioner – a specialist who knows you the best and will certainly notice changes in your health condition,

Cause of fatigue No. 6: hypothyroid

Thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shape gland located in front of the neck, right behind so-called Adam's apple or thyroid cartilage. It controls your metabolism – speed at which your body metabolises fats and carbohydrates – helps regulating body temperature, affects heart rate and helps regulating protein synthesis. If the thyroid is underactive and metabolism has slowed down too much, you may become fatigued and start gaining extra weigh.

What to do: you should definitely visit a doctor if you feel run down without obvious reason or if you have any other signs or symptoms of hypothyroid condition. If your blood test confirms low level of thyroid hormones, your doctor will provide the best treatment.

Cause of fatigue No. 7: too much caffeine

Caffeine is a body stimulant. It activates central nervous system by blocking adenosine – a mediator which relaxes the body. Caffeine provides neural stimulation which releases adrenaline, speeds up heart rate, dilates pupils, contracts muscles and releases glucose into blood thus spiking energy levels. Excessive amount of caffeine can overdo stimulation leading to unhealthy speed of heart rate, blood pressure and nervousness. Some research shows that excessive caffeine consumption acts quite the contrary on some people by making them fatigued.

What to do: Reduce consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and any caffeine-containing medications gradually. Immediate and rapid elimination of caffeine from your diet may cause even more fatigue.

Cause of fatigue No. 8: hidden UTI

If you have ever suffered from urinary tract infection (UTI), you most probably are familiar with the burning pain and sense of urgency to empty the bladder. Infection not always rings the bell and comes with obvious symptoms. People with compromised immunity or diabetes patients may present with very ambiguous and unclear symptoms. Such symptoms may manifest as general fatigue and confusion. In come cases fatigue can be the only sign.

What to do: Visit your doctor who will examine you and prescribe antibiotics. Fatigue usually disappears within a week.

Cause of fatigue No. 9: diabetes

People who have Diabetes Mellitus have high levels of circulating blood sugar that struggles to get into cells to be converted into energy. As a result, the body lacks energy despite eating the right amount of food. If you have permanent, unexplainable fatigue and intense thirst, ask your doctor to check for diabetes.

What to do: Diabetes management may include lifestyle changes, for example a diet and exercise, insulin therapy and drugs that help body maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Cause of fatigue No. 10: dehydration

Your fatigue may be a result of dehydration. Your body needs water whether you work a physical work or sit at a desk.

What to do: Drink water throughout the day. Urine should be light. Drink at least two cups of water before planned physical activity. Sip your water during the physical activity and drink two more cups after the activity.

Cause of fatigue No. 11: heart disease

If you feel particularly fatigued during routine chores, for example, when cleaning the house or weeding the garden, it may tell you that your heart is struggling with the load. If you find that it becomes harder and harder to do tasks once so easy, consult your doctor about heat diseases.

What to do: Lifestyle changes, medications and therapeutic procedures prescribed by your doctor may help to control heart diseases and restore energy levels.