6 health reasons you’re feeling weak all the time – The Times of India

Being busy with 24/7 schedules can lead to chronic fatigue, with lack of sleep being just one factor. Poor diet, untreated infections, stress, and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to persistent weakness and exhaustion, even after adequate rest. However, some underlying health conditions may make you feel weak despite resting enough. Here are the 6 underlying medical reasons for feeling weak:

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels are a common cause of persistent weakness, making diabetes a primary suspected culprit when patients complain of feeling weak throughout the day. Diabetes can damage the body’s cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. When patients complain of feeling weak, diabetes is often the first condition to be suspected, highlighting the critical link between blood sugar control and energy levels.

Thyroid

Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can cause weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms. Certain thyroid-related issues tests are conducted when patients complain of persistent weakness.

Vitamin deficiency

According to Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, “Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, can cause weak bones and joints, muscle fatigue, and other symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, has become increasingly common, causing weak bones and joints and muscle fatigue. Vitamin deficiencies can be easily treated with supplements and dietary changes.”

Anemia

Anemia caused by frequent passing of blood in stool, iron deficiency, or other blood-related issues can lead to persistent weakness. Anemia can reduce the body’s ability to carry oxygen to its cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. It is important to conduct blood tests to rule out anemia when patients complain of persistent weakness.

Sleep apnea

Excessive snoring can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, causing daytime weakness, making sleep apnea a potential underlying cause. Sleep apnea can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Diagnosing sleep apnea can be challenging, as sleep studies using polysomnography are only available in select tertiary care centers in India.
Apart from these symptoms, when a person is feeling weak after suffering from a viral fever or due to other reasons, it is known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is a disease characterized by profound fatigue throughout the day. After suffering from a viral disease such as dengue or COVID, a patient may develop it, but it is not a fatal disease and can be treated with medical help.
In conclusion, persistent weakness can be attributed to various factors, but often no other underlying medical condition or laboratory abnormality can be identified as the sole cause.