Diseases & Conditions
Ask the doctor: When does fatigue indicate illness?
      Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. |
Q. I feel tired all the time. How do you know if it's a sign of something serious?
A. Boy, is that a tough question to answer in a short space. First of all, each of us feels tired if we push ourselves too hard physically, mentally, or emotionally, or if we don't get enough sleep. People in the United States are working longer hours than ever before, so lots of people feel tired a lot of the time. So the first thing to ask yourself is if your fatigue has an obvious explanation: have you been working harder or sleeping less over the past several months?
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.