Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isnt the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When youre fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but its not the same thing.Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in severity from mild to serious. Its also a natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet.If your fatigue doesnt resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or you suspect its caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition, see your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.Encyclopedia Entry for Fatigue :Fatigue. Fatigue is different from drowsiness. Drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep. Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of not caring about what happens) can be symptoms that go along with fatigue. Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. Fatigue is a common symptom, and it is usually not due to a serious disease. But it can be a sign of a more serious mental or physical condition. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your health care provider.There are many possible causes of fatigue, including: Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia ) Depression or grief Iron deficiency (without anemia) Medicines, such as sedatives or antidepressants Persistent pain Sleep disorders such as insomnia , obstructive sleep apnea , or narcolepsy Thyroid gland that is underactive or overactive Use of alcohol or drugs, such as cocaine or narcotics, especially with regular use Fatigue can also occur with the following illnesses: Addison disease (a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones) Anorexia or other eating disorders Arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus Cancer Heart failure Diabetes Fibromyalgia Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or treat, such as bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS , tuberculosis , and mononucleosis Kidney disease Liver disease Malnutrition Certain medicines may also cause drowsiness or fatigue, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics (water pills). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition in which symptoms of fatigue persist for at least 6 months and do not resolve with rest. The fatigue may be worsened with physical activity or mental stress. It is diagnosed based on the presence of a specific group of symptoms and after all other possible causes of fatigue are ruled out.Here are some tips for reducing fatigue: Get enough sleep each night. Make sure your diet is healthy and well-balanced, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Exercise regularly. Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation. Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule. Change or reduce your stressors, if possible. For example, take a vacation or resolve relationship problems. Take a multivitamin. Talk to your provider about what is best for you. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use. If you have long-term (chronic) pain or depression, treating it often helps the fatigue. Be aware that some antidepressant drugs may cause or worsen fatigue. If your drug is one of these, your provider may have to adjust the dosage or switch you to another drug. DO NOT stop or change any medicines without first talking to your provider. Stimulants (including caffeine) are not effective treatments for fatigue. They can make the problem worse when they are stopped. Sedatives also tend to worsen fatigue.Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Confusion or dizziness Blurred vision Little or no urine, or recent swelling and weight gain Thoughts of harming yourself or of committing suicide Call your provider for an appointment if you have any of the following: Unexplained weakness or fatigue, especially if you also have a fever or unintentional weight loss Constipation, dry skin, weight gain, or you cannot tolerate cold Wake up and fall back to sleep many times during the night Headaches all the time Are taking medicines, prescribed or non-prescribed, or using drugs that may cause fatigue or drowsiness Feel sad or depressed Insomnia.Your provider will perform a complete physical examination, paying special attention to your heart, lymph nodes, thyroid, abdomen, and nervous system. You will be asked about your medical history, fatigue symptoms, and your lifestyle, habits, and feelings. Tests that may be ordered include the following: Blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and possible infection Kidney function tests Liver function tests Thyroid function tests Urinalysis Treatment depends on the cause of your fatigue symptoms.Tiredness; Weariness; Exhaustion; Lethargy.Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain.