Last Updated on September 4, 2023
There are so many causes of low energy in the elderly. Extreme tiredness in the elderly could be a byproduct of aging or simply being tired from an over-busy schedule — or it could be a symptom of a larger issue like sundowning. Dramatic shifts in sleeping and sleep patterns should be monitored and shared with a doctor.
Read on to learn more about what causes extreme tiredness in the elderly and how to combat it.
Causes of Tiredness in the Elderly
There are many reasons to be tired — a restless mind, a busy day, the anticipation of an upcoming event, or noisy neighbors keeping you up at night. However, here are some important causes of fatigue to watch out for:
- Hormonal changes – certain hormones affect your internal clock
- Medical treatments and possible side effects – most treatments cause your body to enter a stress mode and can affect your sleep
- Chronic pain – can be caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions
- Anemia – iron deficiency means there is less blood to deliver oxygen throughout your body
- Dehydration – lack of proper water intake
- Hypercalcemia – elevated levels of calcium in the blood
- Lifestyle habits – going to sleep late every night or waking up too early can cause fatigue
- Mental health issues – depression, grief, or strain can affect sleeping patterns
What causes lack of energy in the elderly can differ from person to person. Tiredness in the elderly might last a few days, or longer. Monitor the frequency and keep track of it as best you can. It may be helpful information for your physician to have.
Combating Tiredness in the Elderly
Fatigue in older adults is not abnormal. Here are some tips to overcome tiredness in the elderly.
- Exercise regularly – maintaining physical fitness can help your body maintain a daily rhythm
- Quit smoking – addiction to smoking, or other substances, can affect your mood and overall temperament
- Maintain good “sleep hygiene” – limit your exposure to blue light from screens and any loud noises at least one hour before bed
There is no cure-all for fatigue or tiredness, but small lifestyle changes can positively affect your level of alertness or minimize the feeling of tiredness throughout the day.
What Causes Extreme Tiredness in the Elderly
There are many causes of tiredness in the elderly. It can differ from person to person or even month to month. It’s important to note the difference between fatigue and simply being tired. While sleep can minimize tiredness, too much can be a fatigue symptom.
If there is a persistent issue of fatigue or extreme tiredness you can hire outside help to assess the extent and help with any additional symptoms. It’s always best to consult a doctor before taking or switching any medication or make any major lifestyle changes.
Tiredness in the elderly is more common than you think. To learn about how stairlifts can assist you or the elderly person in your life, contact Williams Lift today.