Persistent Exhaustion After Full Night's Sleep May Signal Disorder

Persistent exhaustion—even after a full night in bed—may reflect poor-quality sleep, including sleep apnea or insomnia, and should not automatically be dismissed as the cost of a busy life. Possible warning signs include waking unrefreshed, daytime sleepiness, difficulty staying alert or concentrating, morning headaches and irritability. These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis, and fatigue can also have other causes, including anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, stress, depression or medications; recurring concerns are worth discussing with a health professional. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimates that 50 million to 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep disorders.