Lethargy

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Lethargy is a state of tiredness, weariness, fatigue, or lack of energy. It can be accompanied by depression, decreased motivation, or apathy. Lethargy can be a normal response to inadequate sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise, or boredom. It can also be a symptom of a variety of physical and mental illnesses or a side effect of some medications.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Lethargy can be caused by a variety of conditions including:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome: A complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition.
  • Anemia: A condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues.
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): A condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones.
  • Sleep apnea: A serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
  • Heart disease: A range of conditions that affect your heart.
  • Diabetes: A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood.
  • Depression: A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for lethargy involves treating the underlying cause. This may involve medication, changes in diet or exercise habits, therapy for mental health conditions, or management of chronic conditions.

See also[edit | edit source]

Lethargy Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T