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A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics reveals that a significant number of Americans are experiencing fatigue. According to the report, about 71% of adults in the U.S. reported feeling fatigued on multiple days over the past three months. The study, which surveyed approximately 27,000 adults aged 18 and older in 2024, highlights that women and younger adults are more likely to report frequent fatigue, defined as feeling tired most days or every day.
Lead author Natalie A.E. Young explained that fatigue is a common health concern in primary care visits across the country. She emphasized that fatigue is not merely sleepiness but a form of physical or mental exhaustion that does not improve with additional rest. The report also notes that individuals experiencing fatigue are at a higher risk of activity limitations and disabilities, including permanent work disability.
The study found that fatigue is often linked to other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties. Adults who reported frequent fatigue were more than three times as likely to have symptoms of depression and about twice as likely to report cognitive difficulties compared to those who did not experience regular fatigue.
The report further indicates that fatigue was most prevalent among younger adults aged 18-34, with nearly 20% experiencing it regularly. In contrast, only 12.9% of seniors aged 65 and older reported frequent fatigue. Women were more likely than men to experience fatigue, with 20% of women reporting regular fatigue compared to 13% of men.
Despite the alarming statistics, the CDC report did not delve into the underlying causes of frequent fatigue. However, experts suggest that factors such as stress, lifestyle, and physical health may contribute to the widespread fatigue among Americans.