Feeling tired now and then is normal, but for some older adults, this tiredness becomes a constant part of life. It can feel like you are always low on energy, even after resting.
While most people think fatigue comes from poor sleep, stress, or just getting older, there are other less common reasons that can also explain why someone feels so tired all the time. Knowing about these rare causes can help people find the right treatment and feel better.
One surprising reason for ongoing tiredness is a long-lasting infection. Some viruses and bacteria, like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, or hepatitis, can stay in the body and cause fatigue for months or even years. These infections can be hard to notice at first because the symptoms are mild or look like other common illnesses.
For example, Lyme disease, which is spread by tick bites, might feel like the flu in the beginning but can later cause joint pain and serious tiredness. Catching and treating these infections early can make a big difference.
Another possible cause is adrenal insufficiency. This happens when the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones like cortisol. Cortisol helps our bodies deal with stress and keeps our energy up.
When levels are low, a person might feel weak, dizzy, or very tired, especially when under stress. This condition is sometimes caused by an autoimmune disease like Addison’s disease and often needs medicine to replace the missing hormones.
There are also rare inherited diseases that can cause tiredness. For example, mitochondrial diseases affect the parts of our cells that create energy. Even though these conditions are not common, they can appear later in life and may be mistaken for normal aging. Doctors can use special tests to find these problems and suggest treatment plans.
Autoimmune diseases are another reason some older adults feel extremely tired. These diseases cause the immune system to attack healthy parts of the body.
Conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and polymyalgia rheumatica not only make people tired but also cause joint pain, dry eyes, or sore muscles. These diseases often affect women more than men and usually require a mix of medications and lifestyle changes.
Some sleep disorders are not well known but can greatly impact energy levels. Narcolepsy and advanced sleep phase syndrome are two rare sleep problems that make people feel sleepy during the day. Because they are not as common, they can go unnoticed, but seeing a sleep doctor and doing sleep tests can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Lack of certain vitamins can also make people feel tired. Most people know about iron and anemia, but missing vitamins like B12 or folate can also lead to serious fatigue. Older adults may have trouble absorbing these nutrients or may not eat enough of them. Taking supplements or changing the diet can help restore energy.
In rare cases, ongoing tiredness can be an early sign of cancer, especially blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. If the tiredness comes with weight loss, fevers, or night sweats, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis can lead to better results from treatment.
Feeling tired all the time can be caused by many things. While common problems are often the reason, it’s important to think about these less obvious causes too. Getting a full check-up and the right tests can help uncover the true reason behind the fatigue.
With proper care and treatment, even rare causes of tiredness can be managed, helping people feel more like themselves again.
If you care about inflammation, please read studies about turmeric: nature’s golden answer to inflammation, and what to eat to reduce chronic Inflammation.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how a plant-based diet could help ease inflammation, and Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased inflammation.
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