Medically reviewed by Dr. Israa Ismail
Do you think you have felt tired for no reason lately – as if you could just tumble back into bed right after waking? Do you feel drained and unable to handle daily chores in a proper way, even after a long night of sleep?
It is easy to put the blame on stress or pressure at work, maybe just on lack of rest – but what if the cause of your tiredness is something you have not thought of?
Research indicates that women feel more frequently tired or exhausted than men do. The additional factors for fatigue may be due to combined stress from work and family commitments, hormonal fluctuations during different life phases like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, lifestyle decisions such as diet and exercise patterns, or the existence of underlying health problems.
If exhaustion has become your norm and coffee is your only rescue, it’s time to dig deeper. Take this quiz to uncover the common causes of fatigue and pinpoint the real reason behind your tiredness. Let’s get started!
Below, you’ll find a set of questions designed to help you identify the possible causes of your fatigue. Each question gives three possible responses to choose from - A, B, and C. Choose the one that you feel best describes how you feel. Once you select the option, you’ll find an explanation below each question that reveals what your chosen option could mean.
As you go through the questionnaire, keep track of how many times you choose A, B, or C. At the end of the quiz, count which option you have selected the most. Your final results will be based on the letter you’ve chosen the most, helping you identify the root cause of your fatigue. Let’s move on to the questionnaire.
A. I usually get less than 5 hours of sleep each night. I often struggle to find enough time to rest properly.
B. I usually sleep between 5 and 7 hours. It feels enough to get through the day, but I don’t always feel refreshed and energised.
C. I always get more than 7 hours of sleep each night.
Interpretation:
A: Lack of sleep is most likely the cause of your tiredness. Insufficient sleep can disrupt your body’s natural processes and can lead to feelings of tiredness, irritability, lack of alertness and concentration, and slower reaction times.
B: Insufficient sleep could be the reason for your tiredness. It might seem that 5 to 7 hours of sleep is enough, but many do not feel fully rested after such a duration. The quality of sleep is equally important to how long you sleep. Waking up in between or having an irregular sleep schedule can leave you exhausted the next morning.
C: If you get more than 7 hours of undisturbed sleep every night, it is sufficient. If you still feel tired after more than 7 hours of sleep, other factors might be at play.
A. I do feel stressed and anxious, and it really affects my mood and day-to-day activities.
B. I occasionally feel stressed, but that does not affect me much or interfere with my daily activities.
C. I rarely feel stressed or anxious. I manage to stay calm and relaxed in most situations.
Interpretation:
A: Stress and anxiety are most likely the cause of your fatigue. Long-standing stress can significantly lower energy levels.
B: Occasional stress still has effects on your energy levels, especially when it is work- or life-related.
C: If stress isn’t weighing you down, the cause behind your tiredness might be something else.
A. At this very moment, I am undergoing some major life changes, and as a result, my daily activities, my emotions, and my feelings are all over the place.
B. Not really; my life is kind of in a neutral state right now. I do not feel like there are any disruptive changes in my daily activities.
C. I am going through some small changes, but they are not out of control and are quite within my limits.
Interpretation:
A. Changes in your life, whether in a positive or a negative inclination, can take a toll either emotionally or physically and lead to fatigue.
B. A stable routine has health benefits, but if you’re still feeling tired, it suggests that there are other causative contributors to this condition.
C. Minor changes might not cause significant changes in energy levels, but in the long run, they can gradually add up and lead to mild fatigue.
A. No, I depend on processed and fast food on most days and skip meals frequently.
B. I generally make an effort to eat healthily and to keep a balanced diet, but I occasionally skip meals or indulge in processed snacks and fast food.
C. I ensure that I eat a diet that is well-balanced and full of whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Interpretation:
A: Often, skipping meals and depending on processed foods can lead to a lack of essential nutrients and result in energy crashes. When your diet isn’t healthy, your body has a hard time generating energy, which can cause fatigue.
B: Even if your diet is mostly balanced, having fast food occasionally or missing meals can still make your energy levels drop. Irregular eating habits can also contribute to feeling tired over time.
C: A well-rounded diet supplies your body with the necessary nutrition for lasting energy. If you’re still feeling fatigued, there may be other reasons behind it.
A. Yes. Lately, I have either gained or lost a good deal of weight.
B. No, for the past few months, my weight has stayed consistent without much change.
C. I haven’t noticed any changes in my body weight.
Interpretation:
A: Excessive weight loss or gain can cause exhaustion and may be a sign of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, nutritional inadequacies, or stress.
B: A stable body weight indicates a balanced metabolism and suggests overall good health. But if your fatigue is persistent, it may be due to other health issues.
C. If your weight doesn’t change, your body is stable, and the tiredness is caused by other factors rather than by hormonal or metabolic abnormalities.
A. I do frequently experience joint and muscle pain. It interferes with my everyday tasks and can feel relentless at times.
B. I only get sore sometimes, especially after doing a lot of physical exercise. However, it doesn’t really bother me and goes away on its own.
C. I hardly ever get body aches, and when I do, they are usually minor and go away fast.
Interpretation:
A: Experiencing body pains can be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory conditions, or nutritional deficiencies. These conditions can leave you feeling unusually fatigued.
B: Physical strains or exertion are typically associated with occasional soreness and joint pains. These may also add to a generalised sense of weariness and unease.
C: If you still feel tired without any muscle or joint pain or physical discomfort, other factors may be contributing to your fatigue.
A. It is true that I have been diagnosed with diseases that may cause fatigue, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, infections, and anaemia.
B. No, I haven’t received a diagnosis for any of these illnesses.
C. I haven’t been tested lately and am unsure of any underlying health issues - I haven’t noticed any discomfort.
Interpretation:
A: Long-standing health issues like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and anaemia very frequently result in a drop in energy levels. If you have been diagnosed with these conditions, they are most likely the cause of your fatigue.
B: If you are generally doing good health-wise, your fatigue may be due to sleep- or stress-related issues.
C: If you’re unsure about your health status, it is better to visit a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions contributing to your tiredness.
A. My lifestyle is sedentary. I spend most of the day sitting or resting, and I exercise very rarely.
B. I get some exercise here and there, but I’ve not been doing it consistently.
C. I make sure to exercise daily and stay active throughout the day.
Interpretation:
A: Though we often ask a person to rest when tired, it is interesting that a lack of exercise and physical activity can lead to fatigue. Regular exercise can, in fact, boost your energy and improve sleep quality.
B. Your general health may not be significantly impacted by irregular activity. It takes more than a little workout to boost your energy levels.
C. Frequent exercise can help you feel less exhausted and have more energy. Other reasons may be at work if you continue to feel exhausted even after engaging in regular physical activities.
You’ve reached the end of the quiz. Hope you have taken note of each question’s response. Which letter have you chosen the most—A, B, or C? The ultimate outcomes based on your responses are listed below:
If you’ve answered A for most questions, it means that your fatigue is a result of various lifestyle and health factors like poor sleep, stress, anxiety, drastic changes in your life, or underlying health conditions that affect your metabolism and hormonal balance.
How can you deal with the source of your exhaustion? To determine the underlying reason for your exhaustion and obtain the appropriate treatment, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider.
If most of your answers fit into option B, then lifestyle issues like stress, poor eating habits, sleep deprivation, or inconsistent exercise may be the cause of your occasional fatigue.
What can you do to improve your energy levels? Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night, exercising regularly, using stress-reduction methods like yoga or breathing exercises, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can all be beneficial.
Have you picked option C for most questions? This means your overall health is good, and you have nothing to worry about. That’s great!
Pay attention to variations in your energy levels to stay healthy and avoid fatigue. To rule out any deeper medical conditions, talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible if you feel that your fatigue is getting worse or continuing over time.
Feeling tired is a natural part of life – everyone experiences it from time to time, and there is no need to feel guilty when your body asks for rest. But just like a glowstick that needs to break to shine, you need to identify and address the root cause of your fatigue to restore your energy and balance.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your fatigue and it’s getting worse and interfering with your everyday activities, you should consult a healthcare professional. If you require additional assistance in addressing your problems, Nirva’s knowledgeable Ayurvedic and Yoga specialists are only a click away!
Women experience more fatigue due to hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, anaemia caused by blood loss during menstruation, differences in energy metabolism, and stress from balancing work and family responsibilities.
Hormonal changes that women go through in different stages of life can alter metabolism and lead to symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, brain fog, and poor sleep, which can leave them exhausted and with insufficient energy.
Some common conditions that cause fatigue are anaemia, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), diabetes, sleep disorders, depression or anxiety, and vitamin deficiencies.
Stress triggers the release of cortisol. When you experience long-term stress, the levels of cortisol remain elevated, leading to hormonal imbalances, poor sleep, and energy depletion. This leads to persistent fatigue.
Sleep is just one factor that influences your energy levels. Other factors, including underlying medical issues, long-term stress, dietary deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or dehydration, may be to blame if you feel weary after getting a good night’s sleep.
Dr. Regina Antony
Meet Dr. Regina Antony, a respected Ayurvedic practitioner passionate about promoting wellness through holistic, natural approaches. With a background in clinical practice and health writing, Dr. Regina shares valuable Ayurvedic insights and remedies that help individuals achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She blends traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with a modern perspective to address diverse health needs, making natural wellness accessible to everyone. Dr. Regina’s mission is to empower people to embrace Ayurveda as a path to lasting well-being.
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