Low energy is a common complaint in most individuals at some point in their lives. Having no energy is often also described as fatigued, lethargic or just tired. Low energy does not mean sleepy but may accompany feelings of tiredness.
Always tired no energy is a common problem and is said to affect nearly 20% of North Americans. This lack of energy is not trivial and significantly impacts both work and the home environment. The most common causes of tiredness include the following:
Too much or too little sleep
Working night shifts or irregular shifts
Excess Alcohol consumption
Congestive heart failure
Lung disorders like asthma, pneumonia, emphysema
Obesity
Poor nutrition
Low potassium, magnesium or sodium
Low or high calcium
High or low blood sugars
High or low thyroid activity
Low cortisone levels
Peptic acid ulcers
Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
Infections like HIV, Tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis,
Infections like herpes, urinary tract infection, and infectious mononucleosis
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Lupus and related disorders
Cancer
Pregnancy, menopause
Sedentary life style or too much exercise
Emotional- anxiety, stress, grief, depression,
Medications, esp. blood pressure pills and water pills, anti depressants, anti psychotics, sedatives, pain pills.
To feel good, one does need energy but once an individual develops fatigue, it is very difficult to get rid of the melancholy feelings. People do need energy not only to improve the physical well being but also to stimulate the brain.
In the majority of cases, there is no need to rush off to a physician every time there is a lack of energy. It can become quite expensive rushing off to a doctor every few months. However, if tired no energy feelings are prolonged or last more than 4-6 weeks and if any of the other symptoms are also present, it is wise to see a health care professional. The cause of low energy can be difficult as in some cases it may be just mental fatigue and there is no single test to identify a mental problem except talking to the individual. However, if there are symptoms associated with low energy, some investigations are necessary. The doctor will order tests to make sure you do not have anemia, kidney problems or an infection present.
The treatment of fatigue depends on the cause. If you are anemic, you may be given iron and vitamins supplements, medications may be provided if you have trouble sleeping. Diabetics need sugar control with medications or one may need thyroid pill for under functioning of the gland. In many cases, the cause of fatigue is emotional stress. Taking a drug is not always the answer to stimulate the brain. While some drugs do help boost mental capacity, most drugs have potent side effects which are worse than the original problem.
To combat fatigue, one should start a program of exercise, healthy eating, lessen the consumption of caffeine containing beverages, discontinue smoking, getting adequate sleep and avoiding too much alcohol. Drug therapy for low energy should only be utilized when the above measures have failed.
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