Exhaustion

Exhaustion is an overwhelming sense of tiredness or lack of energy that goes beyond ordinary fatigue. Unlike simple tiredness, exhaustion may not improve with rest and can affect both physical stamina and mental focus. It can be temporary, such as after intense exercise or prolonged stress, or persistent, indicating an underlying medical or psychological condition.

• Lifestyle factors: Sleep deprivation, poor diet, high stress, overwork, lack of physical activity.
• Medical conditions:

Anemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes

Chronic infections or inflammatory diseases

Heart failure, chronic lung disease, cancer

• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Medications: Sedatives, antihistamines, chemotherapy drugs.
• Risk factors: Shift work, caregiving responsibilities, chronic illness, older age, excessive alcohol or caffeine use.

See a doctor if exhaustion is persistent, unexplained, or interferes with daily life. Seek urgent care if it is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, or thoughts of self-harm.