Fatigue & tiredness
Sources
Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 87 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.
Current evidence
- 1
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy.
“Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 2
Fatigue is different from drowsiness. Drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep; fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation.
“Fatigue is different from drowsiness. Drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep. Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 3
Fatigue is common and usually not due to a serious disease, but it can be a sign of a more serious mental or physical condition.
“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.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 4
When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by a health care provider.
“When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your health care provider.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 5
If you have been feeling tired for weeks, contact your health care provider.
“If you have been feeling tired for weeks, contact your health care provider.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 6
Possible causes include anemia, depression or grief, sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, and an underactive or overactive thyroid. Feeling sad or depressed is a reason to book an appointment.
“Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia)”
“Depression or grief”
“Sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy”
“Thyroid gland that is underactive or overactive”
“Feel sad or depressed”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 7
Long-lasting diseases such as diabetes, COPD, and heart, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases can cause fatigue, as can depression and anxiety.
“Chronic (long-lasting) diseases such as diabetes, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and heart, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases”
“Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 8
Certain medicines can cause drowsiness or fatigue, including allergy antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids and water pills.
“Certain medicines may also cause drowsiness or fatigue, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics (water pills).”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 9
Some antidepressants may cause or worsen fatigue. Do not stop or change any medicine without first talking to your provider.
“Be aware that some antidepressant medicines may cause or worsen fatigue.”
“DO NOT stop or change any medicines without first talking to your provider.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 10
Stimulants, including caffeine, are not effective treatments for fatigue and can make it worse when stopped. Sedatives also tend to worsen fatigue.
“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.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 11
At the visit you will be asked about your medical history, your fatigue, and your lifestyle, habits and feelings.
“You will be asked about your medical history, fatigue symptoms, and your lifestyle, habits, and feelings.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 12
Tests may include blood tests for anemia, diabetes, inflammation and infection, plus kidney, liver and thyroid function tests.
“Blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and possible infection”
“Kidney function tests”
“Liver function tests”
“Thyroid function tests”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 13
A fatigue diary can help you find patterns: when you feel more tired and when you have more energy.
“It also may be helpful for you to keep a fatigue diary. This can help you find patterns throughout the day, such as when you feel more tired and when you have more energy.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 14
Your provider will ask about your sleep, daily activities, appetite and exercise.
“They will ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, appetite, and exercise.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 15
Lifestyle changes that can help: regular physical activity, better sleep habits, stopping smoking, managing stress, a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.
“Get regular physical activity”
“Improve your sleep habits”
“Stop smoking (if you smoke), since smoking is linked to many diseases that can cause fatigue”
“Manage stress”
“Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 16
Experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night.
“Experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Much Sleep Is Enough?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 17
Adults who sleep less than 7 hours a night may have more health issues than those who sleep 7 or more.
“Adults who sleep less than 7 hours a night may have more health issues than those who sleep 7 or more hours a night.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Much Sleep Is Enough?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 18
During sleep, sleep apnea can cause breathing that starts and stops, frequent loud snoring and gasping for air. You may not know until someone tells you.
“Breathing that starts and stops”
“Frequent loud snoring (more common in men)”
“Gasping for air”
“You may not know you have these symptoms until someone tells you.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Sleep Apnea: SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 19
Sleep apnea can also cause daytime sleepiness and tiredness, and fatigue, which is more common in women.
“Daytime sleepiness and tiredness, which can lead to problems with learning, focusing, and reacting”
“Fatigue (more common in women)”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Sleep Apnea: SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 20
You may need a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea.
“You may need a sleep study to help diagnose the condition.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Sleep Apnea: SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 21
Mild anemia may cause no symptoms. General symptoms include weakness, paleness, tiredness and shortness of breath.
“If you have mild anemia, you may not have any symptoms.”
“Weakness”
“Paleness”
“Tiredness”
“Shortness of breath”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anemia: SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 22
Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, weight gain and trouble tolerating cold.
“Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include”
“fatigue”
“weight gain”
“trouble tolerating cold”
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 23
Fatigue and weight gain are common and do not necessarily mean a thyroid problem.
“Many of these symptoms, especially fatigue and weight gain, are common and do not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem.”
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 24
A blood test might confirm an underactive thyroid.
“A blood test might confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.”
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 25
With a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may feel tired or weak.
“If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may feel tired or weak.”
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for ConsumersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 26
Metformin might reduce vitamin B12 absorption and lower B12 levels.
“Metformin might reduce vitamin B12 absorption and lower blood levels of vitamin B12.”
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for ConsumersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 27
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults. A doctor can test your B12 level.
“Vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults. Your doctor can test your vitamin B12 level to see if you have a deficiency.”
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for ConsumersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 28
The fatigue of ME/CFS is different from tiredness that goes away with rest: it lasts a long time, does not get better with rest, and limits ordinary daily activities.
“The fatigue caused by this disorder is different from a tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, the fatigue in ME/CFS lasts a long time, does not get better with rest, and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FatiguePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 29
ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts.
“ME/CFS is a biological illness that affects many body parts.”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFSPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 30
In ME/CFS, symptoms may get worse after any physical or mental activity. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM), and it can mean staying in bed for an extended time.
“ME/CFS may get worse after they do any activity -- physical or mental. This symptom is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). After they exert themselves, they may need to stay in bed for an extended time.”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFSPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 31
Up to 3.3 million people in the U.S. may have ME/CFS, and more than 9 in 10 of them have not been diagnosed by a doctor.
“It's estimated that up to 3.3 million people in the United States suffer from ME/CFS. More than 9 in 10 people with ME/CFS have not been diagnosed by a doctor.”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFSPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 32
There is no cure or approved treatment for ME/CFS, but some symptoms can be treated or managed, and learning new ways to manage activity can help.
“There is no cure or approved treatment for ME/CFS. But some symptoms can be treated or managed.”
“Other strategies, like learning new ways to manage activity, can also help.”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFSPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 33
With ME/CFS, avoid "push and crash": feeling better, doing too much, then getting worse again.
“You need to make sure that you do not "push and crash." This can happen when you feel better, do too much, and then get worse again.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue SyndromePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 34
Some treatments promoted as cures for ME/CFS are unproven, often costly, and could be dangerous.
“Some treatments that are promoted as cures for ME/CFS are unproven, often costly, and could be dangerous.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue SyndromePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 35
For an ME/CFS diagnosis, the fatigue must last six months or longer and not improve with rest.
“The fatigue must last six months or longer, and it is not improved by rest.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue SyndromePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 36
In 2021–2022, 1.3% of U.S. adults had ME/CFS: 1.7% of women and 0.9% of men.
“During 2021–2022, 1.3% of adults had ME/CFS”
“Women (1.7%) were more likely than men (0.9%) to have ME/CFS.”
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults: United States, 2021-2022 (Data Brief 488)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 37
ME/CFS rose with age, from 0.7% at ages 18–39 to 2.0% at 50–59 and 2.1% at 60–69, then fell to 1.4% at 70 and older.
“The percentage of adults who had ME/CFS increased with age, from 0.7% among those ages 18–39 to 2.0% and 2.1% among those ages 50–59 and 60–69, respectively, and then declined to 1.4% among those age 70 and older”
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults: United States, 2021-2022 (Data Brief 488)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 38
ME/CFS is difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test for it.
“It is difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test for ME/CFS.”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFSPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 39
New confusion, severe headache, chest pain, or weakness on one side — call 911.
“Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech”
“Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body”
“Sudden severe headache with no known cause”
“T — Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Stroke - SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 40
New confusion, severe headache, chest pain, or weakness on one side — call 911.
“If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, you should call 911, even if you are not sure it is a heart attack.”
“Discomfort in the upper body. You may feel pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach.”
“You may break out in a cold sweat.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart AttackPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 41
Thoughts of harming yourself — call or text 988 in the U.S., or call 911 if you are in danger.
“If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org .”
“You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — DepressionPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 42
Thoughts of harming yourself — call or text 988 in the U.S., or call 911 if you are in danger.
“Thoughts of harming yourself or of suicide”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 43
Falling asleep while driving, at work or mid-conversation — do not drive while drowsy, and talk to your provider.
“People who are drowsy may fall asleep when they do not want to or at times which can lead to safety concerns.”
“Do not drive when drowsy.”
“If you are not sure, talk with your health care provider.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — DrowsinessPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 44
Breathlessness at rest, fainting, or new ankle swelling with fatigue — contact your provider right away.
“Contact your provider right away if you have any of the following:”
“Recent swelling and weight gain”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 45
Breathlessness at rest, fainting, or new ankle swelling with fatigue — contact your provider right away.
“Shortness of breath after only slight activity or while at rest.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Breathing difficultyPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 46
Breathlessness at rest, fainting, or new ankle swelling with fatigue — contact your provider right away.
“you should be seen by your provider if you have never fainted before, if you faint often, or if you have new symptoms with fainting.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — FaintingPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 47
Fatigue with unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats, or unusual bruising or bleeding — book an appointment promptly.
“Contact your provider for an appointment if you have any of the following:”
“Unexplained weakness or fatigue, especially if you also have a fever, unintentional weight loss, or regular sweats”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 48
Fatigue with unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats, or unusual bruising or bleeding — book an appointment promptly.
“Bleeding or bruising, for no known reason”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms of CancerPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 49
Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, or waking up gasping — ask for a sleep assessment.
“Frequent loud snoring”
“Gasping for air”
“Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. You may need a sleep study to help diagnose the condition.”
NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Sleep Apnea: SymptomsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
Source documents
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-25644026788b01f87db… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-2562e4d0294746e3505… - NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Sleep Apnea: Symptoms
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · page date January 09, 2025 · SHA-2561e3b46e90ddfffb4… - NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Much Sleep Is Enough?
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · page date March 24, 2022 · SHA-25655389796ab22eae9… - NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Anemia: Symptoms
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · page date March 24, 2022 · SHA-256ff4244a457095362… - NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256049cc3554139ebba… - NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Consumers
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-2561d16a683119f4d76… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256168cae1fd14aae74… - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About ME/CFS
Saved 2026-10-19 · download (full browser request headers; plain request refused, HTTP 403) · page date May 10, 2024 · SHA-256a29e33f1ee3bf1b5… - National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults: United States, 2021-2022 (Data Brief 488)
Saved 2026-10-19 · download (full browser request headers; plain request refused, HTTP 403) · page date December 2023 · SHA-256bd17b6a1153ba43b… - NHLBI (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Stroke - Symptoms
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256968203d95d3cb573… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Heart Attack
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256498273ec83a390ec… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Depression
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-2567a17f5f1f55f3629… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Drowsiness
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256aeed2ca696987cbe… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Breathing difficulty
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256713f9d7c4a8372a1… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Fainting
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256eda2af62b2fd6755… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms of Cancer
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-25604bad9d07e906ace…
Historical perspective: Dr. Majid Ali archive
Historical perspective drawn from the authorized writings of Dr. Majid Ali, preserved in the Clarkson archive. Shown for context; it is not current medical guidance.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – the Past for Knowing, the Present for Healing 2015-01-22
Source of the quoted line. Its advice to stop looking for a diagnosis, and its insulin-test and "fermentation" explanations, are not carried. - The Canary and Chronic Fatigue 2014-11-03
His "human canaries" framing of fatigued patients. Its oxidative-stress mechanism and non-drug therapy claims are not carried. - The Fatigue-Fibromyalgia Complex 2012-09-02
His view that fatigue and fibromyalgia overlap. The "dysox" mechanism and reversal claims are held below.
Claims we deliberately did not carry
- That chronic fatigue is caused by an oxidative or "dysox" mechanism.
- That the natural-remedy protocols in his fatigue writing treat chronic fatigue.No supporting evidence. MedlinePlus warns that some treatments promoted as cures for ME/CFS are unproven, often costly, and could be dangerous.34
- That environmental exposure explains a defined share of unexplained fatigue.Exposure history is a fair part of a medical history; quantifying it as the likely cause goes beyond the evidence. Not carried.
- That searching for a diagnosis is wasted effort.Contradicts current guidance: fatigue that rest, food and lower stress do not relieve should be evaluated.4
Safety wording awaiting sign-off
The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.