Feeling wiped out after a workout or a long day at work is totally normal. Usually, a little rest does the trick. But sometimes, that tiredness sticks around and gets worse for no clear reason. This kind of ongoing fatigue, known as asthenia, can be a sign that something’s off, and it’s not something to brush aside.
There are tons of reasons you might feel this way—overworking yourself, stress, infections, sleep issues, or even lingering effects from Covid-19. It’s that kind of “exhaustion” that doesn’t go away even after a good night’s sleep. So, how do you know if you’re just tired or if it’s something more serious? When should you hit up your doctor? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
From Tired to Asthenia: What to Look For
A lot of people—about 20 to 30% of folks in France—end up seeing a doctor for temporary fatigue. This kind of tiredness usually goes away after a few days of rest, especially after dealing with something like the flu or Covid-19. But if you’re still feeling drained after resting, it’s time to pay attention.
According to Professor Jean-Dominique de Korwin, you should consider two things: how long you’ve been feeling this way and how intense it is. If you can’t do your usual daily activities and this fatigue sticks around for more than a month, that’s a red flag. If it lasts over six months, it’s officially chronic fatigue, or asthenia.
About 5% of people see their doctor just for this issue, and it’s a common symptom across a bunch of different health problems.
What’s Behind That Chronic Fatigue?
There are quite a few chronic conditions that can lead to feeling super tired. Here are some of the big ones:
- Anemia: Especially common in young women due to iron deficiency from menstruation. But too much iron can also cause issues.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or Crohn’s can cause inflammation that leads to fatigue.
- Chronic Viral Infections: Things like HIV or hepatitis can also zap your energy.
- Cancer: This can lead to severe fatigue along with other symptoms like weight loss or persistent pain.
- Endocrine Disorders: Issues like type 2 diabetes or hypothyroidism can mess with your metabolism and energy levels.
- Neurological Conditions: Diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s can cause fatigue even before other symptoms show up.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia can really mess with your ability to recharge.
- Chronic Stress: This can also lead to feeling worn out.
Mental Health Matters Too
Mental fatigue is super common and can be linked to things like:
- Addictions: Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or even too much screen time, these can really drain your energy.
- Depression: This is a major cause of fatigue and can come with other symptoms like trouble sleeping or lack of motivation.
- Anxiety Disorders: These often go hand-in-hand with chronic fatigue.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This can mess with your sleep and energy levels.
- Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia can also lead to fatigue.
Plus, some medications for these issues can make you feel tired too.
When to Get Help?
If you’re feeling unusually tired for weeks on end, it’s definitely time to check in with a doctor. But first, take a look at your lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep (aim for about 7.5 hours a night), eating well (at least five fruits and veggies a day), and staying active (30 minutes of moderate exercise daily)?
If you’ve checked all that and still feel off, it’s time to see a doctor. They’ll do a check-up to figure out what’s going on and may run some tests to rule out any serious issues.
Getting Diagnosed and Treated
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam to get to the bottom of your fatigue. They might suggest blood tests to check for things like anemia or thyroid issues. If you have other symptoms like fever or weight loss, they might look for more serious conditions like cancer.
If your fatigue is linked to a specific issue, your doctor will work on treating that. They might adjust your medications, suggest therapy, or recommend lifestyle changes like better sleep and diet.
If work is the culprit, your doctor might even talk to your employer about making some adjustments to help you out.
In short, if you’re feeling persistently tired, don’t ignore it. There’s usually a way to get back to feeling like yourself again!