Could Your Fatigue Be Chronic?

Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, feeling drained at the end of the day is common. When your exhaustion doesn’t fade, even after a full night’s sleep, and every day feels like you’re running on empty no matter how much you rest, something deeper could be going on. If your fatigue feels relentless and unexplainable, it could be more than just being busy or stressed, it could be chronic fatigue.

What Is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s a persistent sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and can significantly interfere with daily life. In some cases, it may be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome typically includes:

• Severe fatigue that lasts for six months or more and isn’t improved by rest
• Post-exertional malaise—a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental
activity
• Unrefreshed after sleeping, even after a full night sleep.
• Plus at least one of the following:
o Cognitive impairments (often called “brain fog”)
o Orthostatic intolerance (dizziness or light-headedness when standing)

If your fatigue doesn’t meet the clinical criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, ongoing fatigue can still signal an underlying issue.

Signs Your Fatigue Might Be Chronic

Here are a few red flags that your fatigue may be more than temporary:
• It lasts for weeks or months with no clear cause
• Sleep doesn’t help—you wake up feeling just as tired
• Physical or mental activity makes it worse, not better
• You experience brain fog, memory issues, or trouble concentrating
• You have muscle pain, joint aches, or headaches alongside your tiredness
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing or after mild exertion
• It interferes with your work, relationships, or daily responsibilities

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue can be a symptom of a wide range of conditions. Some possibilities include:
• Thyroid imbalances (hypothyroidism)
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia
• Autoimmune diseases, including lupus or multiple sclerosis
• Post-viral fatigue, especially after illnesses like COVID-19
• Nutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency anemia or B12 deficiency

Chronic fatigue is real—and it’s not just “in your head.” If you’re constantly exhausted and nothing seems to help, it’s worth exploring what’s really going on. Getting support can be life changing. You deserve to feel energized, alert, and fully present in your life.

If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue and want to uncover the root cause—or simply learn more about whether chronic fatigue could be affecting you—book a consultation here or call 49614075 to speak with one of our qualified naturopaths.

We’re here to help you get your energy back and feel like yourself again.