Fatigue is the feeling of being drained and not having enough energy to engage in enjoyable activities. These extreme feelings of tiredness affect everyone differently and have numerous causes. Sometimes the simple explanation for this is someone does not get enough rest or sleep. In contrast, fatigue that occurs frequently could be indicative of a more serious health concern. For older adults, ongoing fatigue is often associated with the latter. So seniors need to remain cautious when experiencing any sudden feelings of fatigue and consult a medical professional. That said, understanding the different potential causes of this feeling will help you determine the next step when experiencing extreme tiredness.

Common Causes

The most common cause of sudden extreme fatigue in elderly is a lack of or insufficient levels of sleep, which can be induced by depression or an underlying illness. Other possibilities could involve underlying medical conditions.

1. Chronic Medical Conditions

Ongoing fatigue in the elderly can be attributed to a number of chronic conditions, so it is important to monitor and report any new symptoms of weakness and exhaustion to your care team. Some of the common underlying health conditions that may contribute to sudden extreme fatigue in elderly include:

Cancer
Kidney disease
Cardiovascular Illnesses
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis

2. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body has lower than normal levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. It occurs in people at any stage of their lives, but it is more likely to be a problem for older adults, as they are less able to fight off infections that require red blood cells. Serious cases can either lead to fainting or cause fatigue so severe that you may need to stay home because you can’t function normally during the day.

3. Untreated or Long-Term Pain

In the elderly, pain can be severe or chronic, which could cause fatigue. For example, a broken bone that has not been properly treated or a herniated disc in your back can be very painful. You may need to take painkillers when experiencing chronic pain from an injury. As a result, you will experience extreme tiredness as one of the side effects of taking these pills.

4. Dehydration

Being dehydrated means that a body has less than normal water content. It occurs when you have been sweating excessively or if you have not been drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can also occur over time because of age-related changes in your body and medications. Dehydration is more common in seniors and can be caused by medications (such as diuretics and blood pressure meds) or a decrease in kidney function. If you are dehydrated, you will experience extreme tiredness as one of the side effects.

5. Medication Side Effects

Many medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. Antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are just some of the many medications that may affect your energy level. Also, seniors who engage in self-medication may experience fatigue because of the wrong dosage or combination of medications. Also, medical treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or kidney transplants may cause fatigue.

6. Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are a common cause of fatigue. If you have insomnia which is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, you may feel tired all day long. Sleep apnea is another common disorder that causes fatigue because it disrupts breathing during sleep.

Managing a health problem may help reduce fatigue. Your doctor can assist you in this process. So, it’s better to consult your doctor as soon as you experience extreme tiredness.

Is It Possible That Your Emotions Cause Fatigue?

Do you feel worried that no one will be able to take care of you? Are you feeling pessimistic about your future? Feeling depressed and overwhelmed can make you tired, irritable, and preoccupied. If this is the case, your emotions can cause fatigue.

What Other Factors Cause Fatigue?

Some lifestyle habits may cause feelings of fatigue. Here are some common culprits:

Sleeping Late At Night – Late night sleep is not good for you, as it leaves you feeling sluggish during the day. So, if you are experiencing fatigue at night, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Excessive Caffeine Intake – Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and nervous. It can also interfere with your sleep patterns, which will prevent you from getting the right amount of rest. So if you are experiencing fatigue, cut back on your caffeine intake.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Excessive alcohol consumption may cause you to feel tired and tense. So drink enough to feel happy, but not so much that you struggle to sleep.
Eating Unhealthy Food – If you eat a lot of junk food, your body will not have the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. This can make you feel tired and sluggish throughout the day.
Not Getting Enough Physical Activity – Regular exercise is essential to help achieve optimum health, but if you are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity, you may feel tired.

How to Fight Sudden Extreme Fatigue in Elderly

You might have a concern if your loved one does not show any energy to do anything. The sudden tiredness in the elderly may be disturbing for anyone. Is she taking proper rest? Is it because of the aging process? Or are you a senior and are feeling tired suddenly? If you find yourself in any of these situations, then here’s a list of things that can help fight sudden extreme tiredness in elderly:

1. Keep A Fatigue Diary

The first step is to keep a fatigue diary. This will help you understand the triggers of your sudden extreme tiredness better. Record the time and date when you feel extremely tired. Also, write down what happened before or after that moment. It could be important to identify the cause of this sudden extreme tiredness in the elderly.

2. Consult a Doctor

Don’t forget to bring your fatigue diary to your doctor’s appointment. Your doctor will help you understand the possible causes of extreme tiredness. A medical checkup is necessary and can help in identifying any underlying medical conditions that may be causing sudden extreme tiredness in elderly.

3. Follow Suggested Treatment Plan

Next, follow your doctor’s suggested treatment plan to manage the sudden fatigue problem. The treatment varies from person to person, so consult a medical professional if necessary.

4. Do Regular Exercise

Keep yourself busy with regular exercise. This will help you increase your energy levels to fight extreme tiredness. You can choose low-impact activities such as walking and stretching exercises for seniors. Moderate exercises can be an effective way to boost energy levels and feel more active throughout the day.

5. Keep Your Diet Healthy

It is important to eat a balanced diet in order to boost your energy levels. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids so that they can help your body fight against aging-related problems like fatigue.

6. Get Enough Sleep

It is not just about getting enough sleep but also about sleeping at the right time. Keeping a regular sleeping schedule can help you in increasing your energy levels. The required amount of sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours. Also, make sure that the sleeping environment is comfortable and relaxing. You can do this by:

Keeping the room temperature comfortable
Eliminating noise and light from your bedroom
Using a comfortable mattress and pillow
Positioning your body so that you can stay in a restful position during sleep

7. Reduce Stress

Some people may have stress in their lives, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Stress is a condition that occurs when we feel overwhelmed or worried about stressful situations. We may feel irritable and anxious and have trouble sleeping when stressed out. You can find ways of dealing with stress to reduce the chances of adding fatigue to your life.

Yoga exercise is a stress reducer that also provides a full-body workout.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help you manage stress.
Talk to a trusted family member or friend about your concerns and problems.

Final Thoughts

As you can see from the above information, as you grow older, it will be difficult to fight fatigue. But, with a little bit of research, you can find ways to manage sudden extreme tiredness in the elderly. So, make sure to do regular checkups and follow any treatment plans that your doctor suggests. You can also keep yourself busy with regular exercise or a diet rich in essential nutrients to help fight sudden extreme fatigue in elderly. Above all, try your best not to stress yourself out.

Now, suppose you are someone who cares for your elderly loved one and are uncertain that you’ll not be able to be with them all the time, especially when they are experiencing sudden extreme tiredness. In that case, it might be time to consider hiring a caregiver. A caregiver can help your loved one with any activities of daily living. Serenity Senior Care is a top-rated elder care provider that offers a wide range of professional services, such as in-home assistance and respite care. If you are looking for the best caregiver in New Jersey or the surrounding areas, call us at 973-338-0124 to learn more about our services!

7 Steps To Take to Fight Sudden Extreme Fatigue in Elderly