Fatigue That Lingers: 5 Health Reasons You Should Know

Photo credit: Shutterstock You clock in a solid seven to eight hours of sleep, yet you wake up feeling like you’ve barely closed your eyes. The instinct? Stay in bed longer. But adding more sleep might not be the fix you think it is. In reality, persistent fatigue despite adequate rest could be your body’s way of signaling something deeper. “Persistent fatigue, even in the absence of sleep deprivation, can be linked to several underlying factors,” explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director at Doctissimo. These causes generally fall into five key categories, and no, it’s not just about how late you stayed up on TikTok. An Undiagnosed Medical Condition Fatigue can often be a symptom of something more serious quietly working behind the scenes. Dr. Kierzek points to several common culprits: Thyroid disorders: “Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, leading to fatigue and weakness even with adequate sleep.” Nutritional deficiencies: “A lack of iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D can leave you feeling drained around the clock.” Infections: From UTIs to inflammatory illnesses, hidden infections can quietly zap your energy. Chronic syndromes: Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis can cause long-term exhaustion that sleep alone won’t solve. Mental Health Strain or Chronic Stress Your emotional well-being has a huge impact on how energized or exhausted you feel. When stress lingers, so does fatigue. “Prolonged stress activates the nervous system and depletes the body’s energy reserves,” says Dr. Kierzek. Anxiety and depression only add to the burden, affecting both your sleep quality and daytime energy. In other words, your mind might be tired, but your body’s keeping the score. “These conditions affect not only mood but also sleep quality and daytime energy levels,” the expert adds. Poor Sleep Quality—Not Just Quantity You might be sleeping enough hours, but are you actually resting? If your sleep is fragmented, your body never enters full recharge mode. Take sleep apnea, for example. “This condition disrupts breathing during the night, fragmenting sleep without the person realizing it,” Dr. Kierzek notes. Other culprits include restless legs syndrome (RLS), which causes involuntary leg movement that pulls you out of deep sleep. Lifestyle Habits That Drain You Sometimes, the problem lies in your daily routine. Even small lifestyle choices can create a domino effect of fatigue: Unbalanced diet: Relying on processed or sugary foods can cause blood sugar spikes followed by energy crashes. Inactivity: While it sounds counterintuitive, not moving enough can actually make you feel more tired. Late-night alcohol or caffeine: These common stimulants and sedatives can sabotage your sleep cycles, no matter how tired you are. Side Effects from Medications Lastly, certain medications may be silently undermining your energy. While sleeping pills are obvious offenders, others can fly under the radar. “Antidepressants, antihistamines, and allergy medications can all cause drowsiness,” Dr. Kierzek explains. If you’ve recently started a new prescription, don’t overlook the possible link. When to Talk to Your Doctor About Fatigue If your fatigue is short-term, lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference. For example, adjusting your diet, sleep hygiene, or caffeine habits may help. But if the exhaustion lingers? “See a doctor if fatigue lasts more than six weeks,” advises Dr. Kierzek. Tests for conditions like hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiencies may be needed to rule out deeper issues. One final tool to empower your recovery: start a fatigue journal. Track your sleep hours, meals, stressors, and energy dips. Not only will it help you spot patterns, but it can also be a valuable diagnostic aid for your doctor. Because when your body is tired, it’s not just begging for more rest. It’s asking to be heard. Sources Interview with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, Medical Director of Doctissimo, on April 9, 2025. **Vous Dormez Bien Mais Êtes Toujours Épuisé ? Découvrez Les 5 Raisons Médicales De Votre Fatigue Avec Le Dr Kierzek** This article first appeared on doctissimo.fr – Author: Magali Régnier in collaboration with Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo) Fall Asleep Fast: 5-Minute Sleep Hacks The Beauty & Wellness Benefits of Dry January: How a Month Off Alcohol Transforms Your Skin, Sleep, & Health 10 Symptoms of Iron Deficiency You Shouldn’t Ignore What to Do (and Avoid) Before Bedtime The 3-2-1 Rule for Better Sleep Can’t Sleep? Try the 3-2-1 Rule

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