Neurologist Shares 5 Medical Reasons You May Feel Tired All The Time

Persistent tiredness, even after getting adequate sleep, may not always be linked to a busy lifestyle or daily routine, according to neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla. The AIIMS-trained neurologist, consultant at ISIC Hospital, Delhi, and founder of HealthPil.com, has highlighted that constant fatigue can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions that require medical attention.

In a social media post on July 1, Dr Chawla explained that feeling exhausted despite sleeping for around eight hours could be the body’s way of signalling an undiagnosed health concern. He said fatigue should not always be dismissed as a result of stress, workload or poor lifestyle choices, as several medical conditions can contribute to persistent low energy levels.

One of the major causes of constant tiredness is anaemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively to tissues. Dr Chawla explained that reduced levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin can result in slower oxygen supply, leading to weakness, fatigue and reduced ability to perform physical activities.

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The neurologist also pointed to nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of iron and vitamin B12, as another possible reason for ongoing exhaustion. These deficiencies can affect oxygen circulation, nerve function and muscle energy production. He further noted that endocrine disorders, including hypothyroidism and diabetes, may also cause fatigue by disrupting hormone regulation and slowing the body’s metabolism.

Dr Chawla highlighted chronic stress and anxiety as additional factors that can contribute to long-term tiredness. According to him, prolonged stress can affect cortisol regulation and keep the body in a continuous state of alertness, making it difficult for a person to feel fully rested even after adequate sleep. Mental health-related fatigue can therefore have a significant impact on overall well-being.

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also leave people feeling tired despite spending enough hours in bed. Dr Chawla explained that loud snoring, repeated breathing interruptions during sleep and waking up feeling unrefreshed may indicate the condition. He cautioned that persistent fatigue is a symptom rather than a diagnosis and advised people not to ignore it, as timely evaluation can help identify and address possible underlying health problems.

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