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Most US adults are running on empty. Here's how to recharge
New CDC data finds over 71% of American adults regularly feel exhausted. Here is who gets hit hardest and what actually helps.
In brief
New CDC data finds over 71% of American adults regularly feel exhausted. Here is who gets hit hardest and what actually helps. Fatigue is common but not normal to ignore. Fix sleep, diet, stress and movement first, and see a doctor if it lasts more than a few days or has no clear cause. Originally reported by…
Seven in 10 of us are tired
More than 71% of American adults regularly experience fatigue, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“More than 7 in 10 U.S. adults regularly feel very tired or exhausted”
How often it hits
Nearly 55% feel fatigued on some days, 10.7% on most days and 5.9% every day. The data comes from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey, covering a 90-day window.
More than just sleepy
The Cleveland Clinic describes fatigue as being so overtired that getting up, going to work and getting through the day is hard. Even after sleep, you don't feel refreshed.
“an overwhelming urge to sleep”
Women and younger adults report more
Women were almost twice as likely as men to report frequent fatigue. Younger adults reported it more often than people 65 and older.
Big gaps across groups
Native American and Alaska Native adults reported frequent fatigue most, at 25.5%. White adults were at 18%, Black adults 17.3%, Hispanic adults 12.9% and Asian adults 9.1%.
Tied to mood and thinking
Frequently fatigued adults were three times more likely to report depression symptoms and twice as likely to report anxiety or trouble with cognition.
The everyday causes
Poor diet, heavy alcohol or drug use, stress, jet lag and an inactive lifestyle can all wear you down.
The less obvious culprits
Sleep disorders and shift work can drive fatigue. So can some medications, including antipsychotics, antihistamines and beta blockers.
Guard your sleep
Aim for 7 to 9 hours a night, and go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Skip caffeine, screens and exercise right before bed.
Fuel, move and unwind
Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and drugs. Manage stress with yoga or meditation, and exercise regularly without overdoing it.
“Exercising regularly, but not so much that it causes additional fatigue”
What a doctor can rule out
Providers can test for infections, diseases and vitamin deficiencies, and help you reach a healthy weight. Severe cases like chronic fatigue syndrome may need a specific care plan.
Know when to call
See your doctor if fatigue lasts more than a few days, makes daily tasks hard, comes with recent weight loss or has no clear reason.
At a glance
Fatigue is common but not normal to ignore. Fix sleep, diet, stress and movement first, and see a doctor if it lasts more than a few days or has no clear cause.
