High stress environments may cause a person to feel drained and lethargic. This may include having a physically or mentally demanding job or stressful living situation.

People with depression and anxiety disorders may also experience lethargy. For instance, people who break a bone may find that they are much less active and more lethargic as the bone heals.

Although a very intense workout may leave a person feeling drained or lethargic the next day, an overall lack of exercise may also cause similar symptoms.

People, especially older adults, who get little to no exercise may become easily winded or fatigued. Over time, everyday events may lead to overexertion and lethargy. The use of certain substances — including cannabis, alcohol, and narcotic drugs — may also lead to feelings of lethargy.

This may be due to the way each individual drug acts in the body or other factors surrounding drug use, such as a lack of sleep or proper nutrition. A temporary lack of sleep or difficulty getting to sleep may cause lethargy the next day. A person who does not sleep enough or has a severe lack of sleep may notice that they feel very sluggish and lethargic the next day.

Without proper rest, the body may not have enough time to recuperate, leading to lower energy levels the next day. On the other hand, oversleeping may also cause similar feelings of lethargy.

Several medications may result in a lack of energy or feelings of indifference. Some people may be more sensitive to these effects. Anyone taking a medication that causes them to experience lethargy as a side effect should talk to their doctor.

Some side effects are temporary as the body gets used to a medication. In other cases, the doctor may want to lower the dosage or suggest a change of medication. A number of underlying physical and mental health conditions may involve feelings of lethargy and fatigue, including:.

Symptoms of lethargy involve feeling slow or sluggish in both the body and brain. More specifically, they may include:.

Preventing lethargy may not be possible in every case, but in general, there are some things a person can do to have more energy and stay motivated each day. If lethargy is the result of an underlying health condition, taking measures to treat it will also help prevent feelings of lethargy.

Treatment for lethargy will depend on the underlying cause and can vary greatly from person to person. Simple causes, such as overexertion, may only require resting, staying hydrated, and eating well. Treatment for chronic lethargy linked to an underlying health condition will focus on treating the condition to see an improvement in symptoms.

Lethargy can be frustrating and leave a person feeling drained. However, it is not typically a sign that a person needs immediate medical attention. Stay hydrated.

If your body is dehydrated, one of the first signs is fatigue. Drink water throughout the day. Although individual needs vary, the Institute of Medicine recommends men should aim for about 15 cups of fluids per day, and women about 12 cups. Restrict your sleep. If you think your fatigue is related to being sleep-deprived, try getting less sleep.

This advice may sound odd, but determining how much sleep you need can reduce the time you spend in bed not sleeping. This process makes it easier to fall asleep and promotes more restful sleep in the long run. Lighten your load. One of the main reasons for fatigue is overwork.

This can include professional, family, and social obligations. Set your priorities regarding the most critical tasks, and pare down those that are less important. Consider asking for extra help if necessary. Control stress. Stress-induced emotions consume massive amounts of energy. Talking with a friend or relative, joining a support group, or seeing a psychotherapist can all help diffuse the stress response.

Relaxation therapies like meditation, yoga, and tai chi are also effective tools for reducing stress. Do you sometimes feel like the Energizer Bunny when his battery runs low? You might start the day strong, but by mid-afternoon, you can't quite keep going and going. Assuming your doctor has ruled out serious medical causes, there are many ways to boost energy levels.

For example:. Caffeine increases alertness, so having one or two cups of coffee can help sharpen your mind. But be careful. Too much caffeine, especially when consumed in large amounts or after 2 p.

Energy drinks are popular energy boosters , but high amounts of caffeine give them their celebrated jolt. Many contain as much or more caffeine as a cup of coffee, along with loads of sugar and other additives, so you should be careful how and when you consume them.

Given that food is fuel, it's only natural to wonder if certain foods boost energy more efficiently than others. It is important to eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthful sources of fat and protein, however, there is little scientific evidence regarding the effects of specific foods on a person's energy level.

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate quickly digested and absorbed into the blood. Afterward, you may actually feel less energetic than you did before, the so-called sugar crash. Unless you have a diagnosed vitamin deficiency that can increase fatigue, like iron, vitamin D, or vitamin B-6 or B, you don't need to take supplements.

Exercise can boost energy levels by raising energy-promoting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which is why you feel so good after a workout.

It doesn't matter what kind of exercise you do, but consistency is key. Some research has suggested that as little as 20 minutes of low-to-moderate aerobic activity, three days a week, can help sedentary people feel more energized.

For a quick energy boost, take a brisk walk around the block or do a series of push-ups, lunges, or squats—anything to get your body moving. Drink water. Fatigue is an early sign of dehydration, so drink a glass of water whenever you begin to feel run down.

Take a nap. A to minute early afternoon power nap can rejuvenate both body and mind. But don't nap too late in the day or for too long as it can interfere with your nighttime sleep. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

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