7 reasons why you're feeling tired all the time

Feeling tired after a busy day or a few late nights is normal. But what if you feel worn out most of the time — even after a full night’s sleep?

Ongoing fatigue can be related to poor-quality sleep, stress, nutrition, medications or an underlying health condition. And, sometimes, more than one factor may be at play.

“Persistent fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy. It can affect your focus, mood, productivity and overall quality of life,” says Bikash Bhattarai, MD, a pulmonologist at Ascension Illinois.

Here are some common reasons you may feel tired all the time and when it may be time to talk with your doctor.

Why am I always so tired, even after sleeping?

Feeling tired all the time isn't always caused by a lack of sleep. Persistent fatigue, low energy and constant tiredness can result from:

• Burnout
• Changes in nutrition
• Chronic stress
• Health conditions like sleep apnea, anemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, depression or anxiety
• Medications

“Fatigue is different from the tiredness you feel after a long (or hard) day,” explains Dr. Bhattarai. “It’s a persistent lack of energy that may not improve with rest and can interfere with work, relationships and everyday life.”

7 reasons you’re feeling tired all the time

If you feel tired most days or wake up exhausted despite getting enough sleep, Dr. Bhattaraisays that one of these factors may be contributing:

1. You're not getting quality sleep

Even if you're sleeping seven to nine hours, poor sleep quality can leave you feeling tired the next day. An inconsistent sleep schedule, insomnia, frequent disruptions or an uncomfortable sleep environment can all affect how rested you feel.

Screen time before bed may also make it harder to fall asleep. Pay attention to whether you wake up feeling refreshed or feel like you could go right back to sleep.

2. Stress and burnout are draining your energy

Chronic stress can affect more than your mood — it can take a physical toll on your body. Stress, mental overload and burnout can make it difficult to relax, sleep well and maintain your normal energy levels.

3. Your diet or hydration is a contributing factor

What you eat and drink plays a role in how energized you feel. Skipping meals, eating less than usual or eating highly processed foods, or not drinking enough water can leave you feeling sluggish or lightheaded. 

Low levels of certain nutrients, including iron or vitamin B12, may also contribute to fatigue. 

4. A sleep disorder could be preventing restful sleep

“If you're always tired despite getting enough sleep, a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea could be the cause,” says Dr. Bhattarai. “Sleep apnea interrupts breathing and sleep during the night, which can prevent your body from getting restorative sleep.” 

Loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness are common signs. A sleep partner or family member may noticesnoring and changes in your breathing before you do.

5. A medical condition may be the cause

Several health conditions can cause chronic fatigue, including anemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, infections and heart disease. These conditions affect the body in different ways.

For example, anemia can reduce the amount of oxygen carried through the blood, while thyroid problems can affect how quickly the body uses energy. Diabetes can cause fatigue when changes in blood sugar affect hydration and energy. 

6. Your mental health can affect your energy

Depression and anxiety are commonly known to affect sleep, concentration, motivation and energy. 

7. Your medications may be making you tired

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications list fatigue or drowsiness as a side effect. Allergy medications, blood pressure medications, antidepressants and certain pain medications are just a few examples. 

If you notice increased fatigue after starting a medication or changing the dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it could be contributing before making any changes without medical guidance. 

“While some causes of fatigue require medical treatment, practicing healthy habits can often improve your energy,” says Dr. Bhattarai. “Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, try to manage your stress levels and incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.” 

Is it possible to get too much sleep?

Sleeping longer than usual doesn't necessarily cause fatigue. But it can be a sign that your sleep isn't restorative or that something else is affecting your energy. 

Depression, sleep apnea, chronic illness and some medications can cause you to sleep longer without feeling rested. Rather than focusing only on the number of hours you sleep, notice whether you wake up refreshed and whether fatigue is affecting your daily life. 

If you regularly sleep longer than usual and still feel tired, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider about what may be contributing to your symptoms.

When should you see a doctor about fatigue?

Feeling tired occasionally is normal. But ongoing fatigue that doesn't improve or begins to interfere with your daily life is worth discussing with a healthcare provider. 

Dr. Bhattarai shares these signals of when to talk with your doctor:

• Feeling tired most days for more than two weeks
• Waking up tired despite getting enough sleep
• Having fatigue that interferes with work or daily activities
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, chest pain or shortness of breath
• Noticing fatigue along with depression or anxiety symptoms

“It's important to talk to your doctor if you're having symptoms or are concerned that your level of tiredness isn't ‘normal,’” he adds. "Blood work or additional testing may be recommended to identify the cause — but they can help."

Next steps and helpful resources

Learn about sleep care at Ascension Illinois

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