Occasional afternoon tiredness is common. Persistent exhaustion is different.
Experts say ongoing fatigue can sometimes point toward underlying medical conditions that deserve attention.
Dr Mansukhani explains, “Individuals who have a neurological disorder will be vulnerable to suffer from afternoon exhaustion. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy will affect the normal sleeping and energy distribution in the body and the activity of neurons causing afternoon fatigue. Secondly, cognitive fatigue occurs when an individual suffers from diseases such as Alzheimer and stroke.”
Neurological conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate energy, sleep, and cognitive performance throughout the day.
Kidney health may also play a role.
Dr Yogesh Kumar Chhabra, Director-Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, says, “Being weak during the afternoon could indicate possible kidney conditions as well, especially if the body is unable to filter the waste products from the system. As a result of kidney malfunctioning, the accumulation of toxins or fluids can cause fatigue, weakness, and low energy.”
He further explains, “The problem of weak kidney functioning also causes anemia that can make a person feel fatigued and exhausted because fewer blood cells will be produced, resulting in insufficient amounts of oxygen in the blood. It may also be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or high blood pressure that relates to kidney health. At the same time, there are numerous other causes of tiredness during the afternoon, such as lack of sleep, heavy meals, stress, or fluctuations of blood glucose levels.”
