Causes of fatigue
There are many causes of fatigue other than long COVID and often people have more than one cause. It is important to discuss your fatigue with a doctor so that other potential causes can be diagnosed and treated right away. Even if they are not the main reason you are experiencing fatigue, these other causes can make your long COVID symptoms worse.
​
Below are just a few causes of fatigue that are common after a COVID-19 infection:
​
Cause of fatigue and other symptoms
​
Sleep apnea
-
Snoring, gasping for air at night, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, drowsiness during the day
Insomnia (poor sleep)
-
Unable to fall asleep when you first go to bed, waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep
Depression
-
Feeling unhappy or sad, little interest or pleasure in doing things, poor concentration or indecisiveness, sleeping too much or too little, increased or decreased appetite, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, thoughts of death and dying, feeling worthless or guilty
Iron deficiency anemia
-
Lightheadedness, shortness of breath, palpitations, leg cramps, excessive craving for ice, hair loss, pale appearance, headaches
