Why Am I Fatigued: Understanding Common Causes of Fatigue
Everyone feels fatigued throughout their life periodically for various reasons. It’s a feeling of weariness or a lack of energy that can last a few hours or days, depending on the cause. While fatigue is not a cause for concern in most cases, if it persists, it could be a sign of something more serious, especially among older adults.
What Causes Fatigue?
Fatigue is the body’s natural response to overstimulation, physical activity, or lack of sleep. However, fatigue may also be a sign of a moderate to severe health condition such as:
- Common cold or flu
- Infections
- Medical treatments like chemotherapy
- Chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes
- Anemia
- Sleep conditions
- Medications
- Emotional or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
If your fatigue is a symptom of something more serious, it will not go away with lifestyle changes or rest alone. Talk to your doctor about treating the underlying condition to help with some of your fatigue.
Lifestyle Changes That May Cause Fatigue
Sometimes, you can manage your fatigue with small lifestyle changes, such as ensuring you get enough sleep at night and conserving energy throughout the day. If your fatigue is simply caused by your lifestyle or habits, you can likely curb your endless exhaustion with some modifications.
Establish a Bedtime
Staying up too late or having an inconsistent bedtime can affect your daily energy levels. Having a bedtime gets your body and mind into a routine, so you fall asleep and wake up around the same time every day.
Limit Your Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can play a role in how well you sleep at night. Reducing your alcohol intake at night and monitoring how much caffeine you have during the day can help you get quality sleep during bedtime. If you’re a coffee drinker, you may want to try switching your morning beverage to tea, which has less caffeine per cup than coffee.
Exercise
Too little and too much exercise can cause fatigue. If you’re getting too much physical movement throughout the day, it will fatigue your body and make you want to sleep. However, moderate exercise can boost your energy levels, making it easier to feel active during the day. A good middle ground for exercise is moderate activity, like brisk walks or a slow jog, for no more than an hour a day.
When Should I Talk To My Doctor?
Everyone feels fatigued at some point, so it can be challenging to know if it’s something more serious. Signs that it’s time to talk to your doctor about your fatigue include:
- If you’ve been feeling tired or weak for more than a few days and you’re unsure why
- If you’re tiredness is inhibiting you from enjoying daily activities
- If your fatigue comes with other symptoms, like pain, mood changes, or weight loss
At-Home Care With Visiting Angels
Feeling fatigued can make it difficult to complete your daily tasks and care for yourself. Luckily, the team at Visiting Angels is here to help you live safely and comfortably at home.
Our amazing team of caregivers can assist with daily tasks like light housekeeping, cooking, laundry, vacuuming, and medication reminders. They can also offer hands-on assistance, such as mobility help, personal grooming, and bathroom assistance. Contact our Grand Junction office to learn more about our at-home care services.