Feeling low on energy all the time these tests can help explain why

Feeling tired once in a while is normal. But if you feel exhausted every single day, even after sleep, coffee, or rest, it is not normal. Constant low energy can be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something important. Persistent fatigue is often caused by underlying health issues, nutritional gaps, or stress-related problems. Identifying the reason early can prevent long-term health problems.

According to Dr. Sunil Havannavar, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur, chronic fatigue is not just about working long hours or stress. “Persistent low energy usually has a physiological, psychological, or medical cause,” he says. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward regaining your energy.

Why fatigue is common in india

Fatigue has become a major health concern in India. Studies show that over 70% of middle-aged Indians feel moderate to severe tiredness. Even many young urban adults wake up exhausted despite sleeping well. Post-COVID fatigue has also increased the number of people experiencing long-lasting tiredness.

There are many overlapping reasons for fatigue in India. These include poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies, mental stress, infections, and untreated hormonal issues. Sedentary lifestyles, long work hours, and high-stress jobs, especially in IT or shift-based work, add to the problem.

Some common causes of constant fatigue in Indian adults are:

• Micronutrient deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, iron, and folate can cause tiredness.

• Thyroid problems: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and leads to fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.

• Sleep deprivation: Many adults get less than six hours of sleep per night.

• Stress and mental health issues: Anxiety and depression can cause long-term exhaustion.

• Post-infection fatigue: Diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid, and COVID can leave lingering tiredness.

• Certain medications: Some medicines, like beta-blockers and sedatives, can reduce energy.

Tests to find the cause of fatigue

If you have been feeling tired for weeks without improvement, doctors suggest certain tests to find the cause. These blood tests are simple but can give a clear picture of what is draining your energy.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Helps detect anemia, infection, or inflammation, which are common causes of fatigue.

2. Thyroid Profile (TSH) – Checks thyroid function. An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism and reduce energy.

3. Iron Studies and Ferritin – Low iron levels are common, especially in women and vegetarians. Iron deficiency can cause extreme tiredness.

4. Vitamin B12 and Folate – Low levels of these vitamins can result in weakness, exhaustion, mood changes, and poor concentration.

5. Basic Metabolic Panel – Measures blood sugar, kidney function, and electrolytes, which are essential for energy.

6. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – Detect liver stress or inflammation, which can cause unexplained fatigue.

7. ESR or CRP – Check for chronic inflammation, which may indicate infection or autoimmune issues.

Other tests, such as sleep studies, creatine kinase (CK) levels for muscle weakness, or infection screens, may be advised depending on your symptoms and health history.

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Warning signs not to ignore

Some fatigue symptoms need immediate medical attention. Dr. Havannavar warns that if you experience fatigue along with any of these, consult a doctor immediately:

• Unintentional weight loss

• Persistent fever

• Night sweats

• Breathlessness or chest pain

These can be signs of serious conditions like tuberculosis, chronic infections, or cancer. Do not try to manage these on your own.

How fatigue can be treated

The good news is that fatigue is often reversible once the cause is found. If it is due to anemia, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, or poor sleep, energy levels usually improve with treatment and lifestyle changes.

“Fatigue is rarely just mental,” says Dr. Havannavar. “When patients stop normalizing their exhaustion and start investigating it, recovery becomes possible.”

Some simple steps to improve energy include:

• Correcting vitamin or iron deficiencies through supplements or diet

• Treating thyroid or other medical conditions

• Improving sleep hygiene and ensuring 7–8 hours of rest

• Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling

• Exercising regularly to boost physical and mental energy