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What are Common Causes of Dizziness and Fatigue?

Tess C. Taylor
Tess C. Taylor

Dizziness and fatigue — often referred to as DFS — can be caused by a wide range of health, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors. While it is perfectly normal to feel dizziness or fatigue when shifting positions quickly or when being overactive, persistent symptoms of being light headed or severely tired are often symptoms of a more serious problem. Some possible issues that could cause these problems include dehydration, overexertion and not sleeping enough, exposure to noxious chemicals or poor air quality, and health problems, like anemia, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

One of the most common causes of symptoms like light-headedness, fainting, muscle weakness or tiredness is dehydration. This occurs when the body uses more fluids than are taken in or ingests diuretics that deplete the body of water. The body responds by lowering the blood pressure and slowing down kidney functions. It is very important for people to drink plenty of water daily, particularly if they are out in the sun or very active, to reduce the chances of getting dehydrated and experiencing these side effects or even long-term health issues.

Dehydration can cause dizziness and fatigue.
Dehydration can cause dizziness and fatigue.

The most obvious causes of dizziness and fatigue are from overexertion from working too many hours or performing extreme exercise routines followed by very little rest or no meals in between. The body needs time to refuel, so proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration are very important to reduce the chances of feeling ill. People can often fight feelings of faintness or weakness by taking better care of themselves, eating vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting at least eight hours of sleep per night.

Overexertion may cause dizziness and fatigue.
Overexertion may cause dizziness and fatigue.

Environmental factors, such as breathing polluted air saturated with pollutants, living in a home with problems with heating and conditioning systems, and breathing chemical fumes can also cause a person to become dizzy or feel extremely tired. In some cases, the individual may become lightheaded or pass out. Although all air contaminants cannot be avoided, taking precautions when in the presence of harmful chemicals, making repairs of heating and air equipment, and the using air conditioners and filters is important for good health.

A cause of dizziness and fatigue is overexertion from working too many hours, followed by very little rest or food.
A cause of dizziness and fatigue is overexertion from working too many hours, followed by very little rest or food.

Health issues that affect the blood, nervous, muscular, and lymphatic systems can cause persistent feelings of being dizzy, faint, or fatigued. Some of these more common ailments include diabetes, fluctuating blood pressure, anemia, lupus, thyroid and other hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and strokes. Individuals who suffer from ongoing dizziness and fatigue that has no obvious cause should consult with a qualified medical practitioner to determine if a health problem is present and to get medical care.

Discussion Comments

anon939442

Have you started to feel better?

anon172924

I wonder which part of this article or rather which article about dizziness refers to me? I've been feeling dizzy for over five months now and I'm miserable!

I'm thinking that it's either one of the two: either I'm sick and need immediate care or maybe it's only my office where I work: no windows and a gas line running from the entire building locked up in a closet in my room. If you could post your opinion here I'd be extremely grateful!

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    • Dehydration can cause dizziness and fatigue.
      By: 9nong
      Dehydration can cause dizziness and fatigue.
    • Overexertion may cause dizziness and fatigue.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Overexertion may cause dizziness and fatigue.
    • A cause of dizziness and fatigue is overexertion from working too many hours, followed by very little rest or food.
      By: ZoxMedia
      A cause of dizziness and fatigue is overexertion from working too many hours, followed by very little rest or food.
    • Drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness and fatigue.
      By: niyazz
      Drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness and fatigue.
    • Chronic dizziness and fatigue may be symptoms of an underlying physical ailment.
      By: Alliance
      Chronic dizziness and fatigue may be symptoms of an underlying physical ailment.
    • Fibromyalgia may cause dizziness and fatigue.
      By: vadymvdrobot
      Fibromyalgia may cause dizziness and fatigue.
    • Anxiety can cause both dizziness and fatigue.
      By: Marijus
      Anxiety can cause both dizziness and fatigue.
    • Fatigue and dizziness may be a side effect of certain prescription drugs.
      By: Jenifoto
      Fatigue and dizziness may be a side effect of certain prescription drugs.
    • Pushing too hard while exercising can result in dizziness and fatigue.
      By: Helder Almeida
      Pushing too hard while exercising can result in dizziness and fatigue.