Fatigue? Ten Key Causes

Fatigue can often seem very minor and often left untreated. However, there are key causes of fatigue that require medical attention to alleviate your symptoms and possibly prevent larger problems in the future.

Here are ten top causes of fatigue:

1. Lack of Sleep: Although this seems obvious, failing to get between seven to eight hours of sleep a night can result in chronic sleep deprivation.

2. Sleep Apnea: Many people are in bed for eight hours a night but are still receiving poor quality of sleep due to sleep apnea.

3. Lack of Food: With the recent diet fad, a lot of fatigue could be due to improper dieting and avoiding food groups.

4. Anemia: Fatigue is a sign of iron deficiency. Be sure to talk to your doctor and have tests run to determine if this is a cause of your fatigue.

5. Depression: More people around the world are currently being diagnosed with mental conditions, including depression. These conditions can greatly alter your ability to receive quality sleep.

6. Hypothyroidism: Be sure to check with your primary care physician to determine if your thyroid levels are normal.

7. Caffeine Intake: Caffeine in moderation may act as a stimulant, but too much caffeine often results in fatigue.

8. Urinary Tract Infection: It is possible to have a UTI that you are unaware of with the only symptom being fatigue.

9. Diabetes: This illness can also lead to fatigue and should be carefully monitored by a doctor.

10. Heart Disease: Typically if heart disease is the cause of your fatigue you will become increasingly tired as you try to complete a task.

Fatigue could be a sign of very serious conditions that require medical treatment. If you are experiencing prolonged fatigue, it is essential that you consult your doctor and participate in testing to determine the underlying cause.