Lethargy

From WikiMD's 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
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD