Feeling tired every now and then is normal. But for some older adults, tiredness becomes a constant part of life that doesn’t go away, even after rest.
While poor sleep, stress, or aging are common reasons, there are also some lesser-known causes that might be behind ongoing fatigue. Finding out about these rare causes can help people get the right treatment and feel better again.
One rare cause of tiredness is chronic infection. Some infections can stay in the body for a long time and quietly cause problems. For example, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, or undiagnosed hepatitis might lead to long-lasting fatigue.
These infections are tricky because their symptoms often seem like other mild illnesses. Lyme disease, spread by tick bites, can feel like the flu at first, but if it’s not treated, it may later cause joint pain and deep tiredness. Doctors say that catching and treating these infections early can help people feel better.
Another rare but important reason for fatigue is adrenal insufficiency. This happens when the adrenal glands don’t make enough of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps the body manage stress and stay energized.
When there’s too little cortisol, a person might feel weak, dizzy, or very tired—especially in stressful moments. This condition is sometimes caused by autoimmune diseases like Addison’s disease and often needs hormone treatments to get better.
Some rare genetic conditions can also cause tiredness. One example is mitochondrial disease. Mitochondria are parts of cells that make energy. If they don’t work well, it can lead to constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Although this condition is not common, it can appear later in life and may be mistaken for normal aging. Special medical tests can help diagnose it, and while there is no cure, some treatments and changes in daily habits can help.
Autoimmune diseases are another group of conditions that can lead to tiredness. In these diseases, the immune system wrongly attacks the body’s own cells. Conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and polymyalgia rheumatica can make people feel very tired.
They may also have other signs like sore joints, dry eyes, or stiff muscles. These diseases are more common in women and older adults and often need a mix of medication and lifestyle changes.
Some sleep problems are not well known but can have a big effect on energy levels. Narcolepsy and advanced sleep phase syndrome are two examples.
They can stop people from getting restful sleep, leading to tiredness during the day. Because these conditions are rare, they may be missed. Seeing a sleep doctor and doing sleep tests can help diagnose and treat them.
Not getting enough vitamins can also cause fatigue. Iron is a well-known one, but not having enough vitamin B12 or folate can also make people feel tired. Older adults might have trouble absorbing these nutrients or may not eat enough of them. Fixing these problems with supplements or a better diet can bring back energy.
In some cases, tiredness might be an early warning sign of cancer. Blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma can make people feel drained before any other symptoms show up. If the fatigue comes with weight loss, fever, or night sweats, it’s important to see a doctor.
Feeling tired all the time is not something people should just accept. If usual causes don’t explain the problem, it’s worth checking for these rarer ones. A full health check and the right tests can lead to answers. With proper care, many of these causes can be treated, helping people feel more like themselves again.
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