Reasons for Extreme Fatigue
While being tired or even fatigued once in a while is quite normal, weakness that interferes with everyday life is often a sign that something is wrong. Whether a serious illness, a nutrient deficiency or a psychological issue, extreme fatigue warrants a talk with a health professional and follow-up and treatment.
Anemia
Low iron in the blood is a common cause of extreme fatigue and one that can be easily solved through supplements. People with iron deficiencies are sometimes healthy eaters but have a wheat allergy or other medical condition that makes iron absorbency an issue. People with anemia often have trouble exercising, as the disease causes oxygen flow to the heart to diminish and leads to shortness of breath, dizziness and rapid heartbeat.
Depression
Extreme emotional issues, aggravated stress and circumstances like a divorce or the death of a loved one can all result in depression. While being sad is relatively normal, a feeling that persists for more than a couple of weeks may indicate that the person is suffering from clinical depression. Signs of depression include lethargy, extreme tiredness, fatigue (both physical and mental), difficulty concentrating and problems with memory. People with depression often have trouble performing everyday tasks that used to be easy, like climbing stairs or cleaning the house. They also sleep much longer than usual but still feel tired and sluggish when they wake up.
Leukemia
One of the first symptoms of leukemia and one of the easiest to recognize is extreme fatigue. This shows up in patients not only as the inability to perform easy daily tasks, but also as difficulty concentrating, constant sleepiness and weakness. Once treatment for the disease is started, fatigue usually gets worse, not better, as chemotherapy or radiation therapy weaken the body.
Poor Diet
A diet poor in certain groups (such as low-carb, high-protein plans) can result in extreme fatigue, as the body tries to adjust to a lack of nutrients. On the other hand, a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates can also cause extreme fatigue, as they cause peaks of glucose, followed by a quick crash with physical symptoms such as dizziness, moodiness and blurry vision. People who don't eat enough fruits and vegetables can also suffer from a lack of energy, as many vitamins and minerals can only be found in produce. Vegetarians are prone to suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, one of the most important nutrients for body energy. In fact, B12 shots are the most commonly prescribed treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.
HIV
Fatigue is a common problem for those living with HIV and an even greater one for people with AIDS. Certain factors contribute to HIV-related extreme fatigue, such as lack of sleep, depression and the use of certain prescription drugs, including some of the cocktails used to treat HIV. The most common treatment is medication, including antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and drugs that boost red blood cell production.
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