Why Am I So Tired?

Take this quiz to find out!

Yawn! No matter how much coffee you chug, it can be a real struggle to stay awake and alert throughout the day. What gives?

Tiredness (a feeling of low energy) and sleepiness (a desire or ability to sleep if allowed to do so) can be caused by a number of factors, including stress levels, sleeping habits, diet, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. At the end of the day, only a medical professional can diagnose why you’re feeling exhausted—but this quiz may help you narrow things down.

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Questions Overview

1. It’s 2 AM. What’s keeping you up?
  1. Everything I still have to get done at work.
  2. That’s funny—I’m lucky if I get to bed by 3 AM.
  3. My stomach. I think I ate a little too close to my bedtime…
  4. Huh? I’m already asleep.
2. What’s the last thing you think about before falling asleep?
  1. “I can’t believe how much I have to get done tomorrow.”
  2. “I wish I went to bed sooner. I'm gonna be SO tired when I wake up.”
  3. Maybe I shouldn’t have had that cup of coffee after dinner…”
  4. I can’t remember—I fall asleep right away.
3. What do you want more than anything?
  1. To scream into the void.
  2. To take a nap.
  3. To binge the latest show on Netflix.
  4. I don’t really want anything—life’s already pretty good!
4. What are your workout plans for the day?
  1. I might hit the gym if I don’t drown in these deadlines.
  2. I’ll try to go for a walk if I can find the time.
  3. I don’t think I’m gonna exercise today.
  4. I’m aiming to do my regular 30-minute workout.
5. What are you missing the most of in your life right now?
  1. Relaxation. I wish I could put life on pause!
  2. Routine. I wish my daily life had a little more structure.
  3. Spirit. It’s hard to find the energy to do things.
  4. Nothing! I feel pretty content with where I am.
6. Your alarm just went off—what’s on the menu for breakfast?
  1. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee. Maybe a blueberry muffin, too.
  2. I might grab a Pop-tart if I can find the energy.
  3. Anything and everything, if I happen to remember to eat.
  4. A bowl of my favorite cereal.
7. When do you get to bed each night?
  1. 11 PM, but I don’t fall asleep until the early morning.
  2. 1 AM? 2 AM? It depends on the night.
  3. I try to go to bed at a decent time, but I’m not always successful.
  4. Whatever time lets me get 7-8 hours of shut-eye.
8. With 1 being “not stressed” and 10 being “very stressed,” how are you feeling?
  1. 11. I wish my mind didn’t race so much.
  2. 7. I wish I’d gotten more sleep last night.
  3. 5. I wish I had more energy.
  4. 2. I don’t have any major complaints.
9. What’s your go-to drink?
  1. Coffee. I really need to wake up and get started on my to-do list.
  2. Red Bull. I could really use some wings right about now!
  3. Coke or Pepsi. Nothing like a sugar rush to get you through the day!
  4. Water. Clear pee is happy pee!
10. You just clocked out for the day. How are you spending your evening?
  1. Finishing up the work I couldn’t get done during the day.
  2. I might take a nap. Who cares if it’s 7 PM?
  3. I’m getting caught up on my favorite show.
  4. I might take a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood.
11. Describe your sleep schedule in 1 word:
  1. Turbulent.
  2. Inconsistent.
  3. Okay.
  4. Great!
12. What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?
  1. Think about everything I have to do the next day.
  2. Chat with friends until the early hours of the morning.
  3. Eat a snack.
  4. Take a warm bath or shower.

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Try adding a little more relaxation<\/a> to your day-to-day life\u2014this might mean going for a stroll around your neighborhood, doing some yoga<\/a>, soaking in a warm bath<\/a>, or spending some time with your pet. Whatever it is, choose an activity that helps you unwind and unplug from your daily demands.If you\u2019re dealing with a lot of stress at work<\/a>, it could be worth speaking with your manager or HR representative to see what can be done about your situation. Talking out your feelings and experiences with a therapist is another great way to relieve your stress (and potentially feel less tired).Take time to meet with your doctor and discuss how your tiredness impacts your daily life. They can help you figure out if an underlying condition is contributing to your exhaustion (like iron deficiency anemia or sleep apnea), and help you come up with an effective treatment plan.In the meantime, check out wikiHow\u2019s very own sleep course that\u2019s co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep specialist. This 5-part course is packed full of expert-verified advice delivered straight to your inbox that will help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer. You can sign up for it here<\/a>!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Avoid-Stress"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relieve-Stress"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Avoid Stress","id":1684142,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Avoid-Stress","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Avoid-Stress-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Avoid-Stress-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Avoid Stress"},{"title":"How to Relieve Stress","id":109874,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relieve-Stress","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Relieve-Stress-Step-32-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Relieve-Stress-Step-32-Version-4.jpg","alt":"How to Relieve Stress"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You might be tired because of your sleeping habits.","meaning":"It sounds like you might not be getting enough high-quality sleep each night<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re a 20-year-old cramming for college exams or a 70-year-old enjoying retirement, all adults need at least 7 hours of sleep to feel alert and ready to get the most out of their day. Teens between the ages of 14 and 17 need at least 8 hours of sleep to feel refreshed.Take your sleep schedule to the next level by hitting the hay and waking up at the same time each day, and by cutting back on naps throughout the day. It can also help to do some relaxing activities before bed<\/a>, like hopping in a warm shower or taking a soothing bath<\/a>.Take time to meet with your doctor and discuss how your tiredness impacts your daily life. They can help you figure out if an underlying condition is contributing to your exhaustion (like iron deficiency anemia or sleep apnea), and help you come up with an effective treatment plan.In the meantime, check out wikiHow\u2019s very own sleep course that\u2019s co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep specialist. This 5-part course is packed full of expert-verified advice delivered straight to your inbox that will help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer. You can sign up for it here<\/a>!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-Quality-Sleep"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Your-Sleeping-Schedule"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Get Quality Sleep","id":664122,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-Quality-Sleep","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-Quality-Sleep-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Get-Quality-Sleep-Step-18.jpg","alt":"How to Get Quality Sleep"},{"title":"How to Fix Your Sleeping Schedule","id":839929,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Your-Sleeping-Schedule","image":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Fix-Your-Sleeping-Schedule-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fix-Your-Sleeping-Schedule-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Fix Your Sleeping Schedule"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You might be tired because of your diet and lifestyle.","meaning":"It sounds like your day-to-day routines and eating habits could be contributing to your tiredness. Eating large meals, skipping breakfast, snacking on unhealthy foods, drinking lots of caffeine, and not getting enough exercise can all make you feel less than your best.Give your meals and snacks a boost<\/a> by stocking up on lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. It also helps to space out your snacks and meals once every 3-4 hours (rather than having a couple of giant meals throughout the day). Drinking plenty of water<\/a>, weaning yourself off caffeine<\/a>, and limiting alcohol<\/a> before bed can also go a long way in helping you feel more alert and refreshed.Despite popular belief, exercise is also a great way to keep your energy up. Even a short walk in the park is a great starting point to help you feel more alert and energized.Take time to meet with your doctor and discuss how your tiredness impacts your daily life. They can help you figure out if an underlying condition is contributing to your exhaustion (like iron deficiency anemia or sleep apnea), and help you come up with an effective treatment plan.In the meantime, check out wikiHow\u2019s very own sleep course that\u2019s co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep specialist. This 5-part course is packed full of expert-verified advice delivered straight to your inbox that will help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer. You can sign up for it here<\/a>!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.fitness\/Make-an-Exercise-Schedule"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits","id":10150,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-17-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-17-Version-4.jpg","alt":"How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits"},{"title":"How to Make an Exercise Schedule","id":993570,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.fitness\/Make-an-Exercise-Schedule","image":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Make-an-Exercise-Schedule-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Make-an-Exercise-Schedule-Step-18.jpg","alt":"How to Make an Exercise Schedule"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You might be tired because of a health condition.","meaning":"It sounds like you\u2019re doing a lot of the right things to get your exhaustion under control, but you still aren\u2019t noticing any improvements. You might be dealing with fatigue<\/a> rather than regular tiredness\u2014this is the official medical term for persistent tiredness that doesn\u2019t go away after you get a good night\u2019s sleep.Fatigue can be caused by a number of different conditions. Iron deficiency anemia and sleep apnea are common offenders, but anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, thyroid issues, IBD, and many other health issues could also be the cause. Don\u2019t try to self-diagnose yourself\u2014your best bet is to meet with your doctor and discuss your symptoms, so they can give you an accurate diagnosis and helpful treatment advice.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.health\/Treat-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.health\/Treat-Sleep-Apnea-Naturally"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome","id":519547,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.health\/Treat-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Treat-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Treat-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Step-12.jpg","alt":"How to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"},{"title":"How to Treat Sleep Apnea: Can Natural Remedies Help?","id":6940278,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.health\/Treat-Sleep-Apnea-Naturally","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Treat-Sleep-Apnea-Naturally-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Treat-Sleep-Apnea-Naturally-Step-18.jpg","alt":"How to Treat Sleep Apnea: Can Natural Remedies Help?"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Why<\/picture>","alt":"Why Can't I Sleep Quiz"},{"title":"Eating Disorder Test","id":14217699,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Eating-Disorder-Test","image":"\"Eating<\/picture>","alt":"Eating Disorder Test"},{"title":"Erectile Dysfunction Quiz","id":13236835,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relationships\/Do-I-Have-Erectile-Dysfunction-Quiz","image":"\"Do<\/picture>","alt":"Erectile Dysfunction Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"I\u2019m ok with my health. Show me self-discovery topics, instead.","result":"No problem! We have some self-discovery quizzes you might like:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Right Brain vs Left Brain Test","id":13844549,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Right-Brain-vs-Left-Brain-Test","image":"\"Right<\/picture>","alt":"Right Brain vs Left Brain Test"},{"title":"Type A B C D Personality Test","id":13714623,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Type-A-B-C-D-Personality-Test","image":"\"Type<\/picture>","alt":"Type A B C D Personality Test"},{"title":"Introvert or Extrovert Quiz","id":13737789,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Introvert-or-Extrovert-Quiz","image":"\"Introvert<\/picture>","alt":"Introvert or Extrovert Quiz"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

Tips & Tricks for Beating Tiredness

After a while, exhaustion can start to feel like an inevitability—but it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of ways that you can hack your lifestyle and sleep schedule so you can start feeling more alert, focused, and ready to face the day.

  • Exercise each day. Believe it or not, a consistent exercise regimen can help you feel more energized. You don’t have to run a marathon or anything—even a quick, 15-minute stroll around your neighborhood can help you feel more alert. As you get a little more active, set a goal to work out 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week.
  • Schedule frequent meals and snacks. Set a reminder for yourself to munch on healthy snacks and meals throughout the day (once every 3-4 hours is ideal). The more consistent and healthy fuel your body has, the less tired and sluggish you’ll feel.
  • Get at least 7 hours of sleep if you’re an adult. There’s no getting around it: every adult needs at least 7 hours of shut-eye to feel energized and alert the next day. If you’re between 14 and 17 years old, you need to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
  • Do relaxing activities to keep your stress levels down. Relaxation means different things for everyone—for some, it might mean curling up under a blanket with a good book; for others, it might involve a fun night out with friends. Find activities that help you relax and unwind, and make time for them throughout the week.
  • Wean yourself off caffeine for a month. We know, this is a really big ask—but according to medical professionals, removing caffeine from your diet completely is an effective way to fight tiredness. Slowly wean yourself off your favorite caffeinated drinks for a few weeks, and then see how you feel after a caffeine-free month.
  • Limit alcohol before bed. There’s no denying that alcohol can make you feel sleepy; unfortunately, it doesn’t allow you to get a quality night’s sleep. Try cutting back before heading to bed, or saving your drinks for a night when you don’t have to be alert in the early morning.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration and tiredness go hand in hand—so, if you drink more water, you might feel more refreshed. As a general rule of thumb, aim to drink 11.5 cups (2.7 L) each day if you’re a woman, and 15.5 cups (3.7 L) if you’re a guy.
  • Visit a therapist. Therapy is a great way to vent about your worries, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in a safe place. Schedule an appointment with a therapist and see if you feel a little less fatigued after your session.
  • Talk with your doctor to see if something else is making you tired. Fatigue is a side effect of countless health conditions, including anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, thyroid conditions, multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, and more. A medical professional can help you figure out what’s causing your fatigue, and help you come up with a treatment plan.

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