Lack of Energy - Signs, Symptoms, Causes

Lack of energy is a common complaint. There are dozens of products on the market that are supposedly the solution to the problem. But what causes energy loss? When is it normal? When does fatigue indicate a more serious problem? The information here will answer those questions.

Normal Sleepiness and Fatigue

Normal sleepiness occurs as the result of biochemical changes brought on by darkness. Fatigue (being tired) after running a marathon or hiking a dozen miles on the Appalachian Trail is normal. After cleaning house all day, it is normal to want to sit down, rest and relax for the evening.

Feeling a little tired at midday may be normal, though frustrating. It seems to be something that lots of people experience. Addressing certain dietary and lifestyle issues may be helpful.

To a certain degree, energy levels may normally decrease with age. There is a natural change in the resting metabolism once a person reaches adulthood. But the decrease is only about 10%. A severe reduction of energy is not a normal part of the aging process.

More Serious Fatigue

In less severe cases, the only symptom is a general lack of energy. You might feel like you need a nap or simply feel no motivation to do anything.

The symptoms of serious energy loss or fatigue can include any of the following:

Feeling weak; difficulty lifting lightweight objects

Exhaustion; inability to get out of bed or complete normal daily activities

Blurred vision

Disturbed or restless sleep

Headache/body aches

Dizziness or vertigo

Feeling out of breath after mild exertion

Heart palpitations

Decreased reaction time; slow movements

Cold intolerance

Mental confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, etc.

These symptoms may accompany feelings of sleepiness or lack of energy on a regular basis or only occasionally. The symptoms are often the same regardless of the cause, which can make a medical diagnosis difficult. There are many possible causes.

Causes

Lack of physical activity is one of the causes that surprise many people. There is actually a term for it in the medical community. It is called sedentary inertia. The less you move, the less you will feel like moving. Then there's malnutrition.

When you think of malnutrition, you may think of a starving child in a third world country. Scientists have a different definition of malnutrition. It is defined as any condition caused by deficient, imbalanced or excessive nutrient intake.

Excessive nutrient intake over an extended period of time will lead to obesity. Obese individuals are more easily fatigued, simply because they are carrying so much weight around all the time. Many of the "other symptoms" listed above accompany obesity.

Water is a nutrient. Dehydration can sap your energy as quickly as anything else. The first sign of dehydration is thirst, but thirst is not experienced until your body is already low on fluids and the thirst signal is less efficient as we age.

Vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, micronutrients, cofactors and trace elements must be consumed in proper quantities and in proper balance in order for the body to function optimally and have optimal energy levels.

Every infection and disease is accompanied by the symptom of fatigue. The body needs rest in order to fight off the illness and recover from it.

Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are accompanied by fatigue and many of the other symptoms above. Chronic conditions such as allergies, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism and ME-CFS cause lower energy levels.

Finally, there are medications. Many people take over-the-counter medicines on a regular basis to address symptoms like headache, body ache or allergies. Fatigue or sleepiness is a side effect of most drugs. Even stimulant use will eventually result in lower energy levels.

Now that you understand the signs, symptoms and causes, you would probably like to learn how to get your energy back. My next article covers that topic.