Sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Ongoing pain, including conditions such as fibromyalgia. An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or overuse of medications. Depression. Diseases such as mononucleosis, tuberculosis and AIDS. Malnutrition or eating disorders. Cancer. Congestive heart failure. Diabetes. Lupus and other autoimmune disorders. Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Possible treatments can include:

Regularly getting enough sleep. Heyman says most people need about eight hours a night. In the 1940s and 1950s, he says, only about 15 percent of the population had less than seven hours of sleep a night; today, it is closer to 40 percent. U-M Integrative Family Medicine will offer acupuncture for treatment of fatigue in the near future. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and drugs. Increases in exercise. Prescription medications that help to regulate one's sleep. Vitamin and mineral supplements. Meditation and breathing exercises. Acupuncture, which is showing promise as a treatment to alleviate fatigue.

Heyman notes that the needles used in acupuncture can have a stimulating effect on the body and can give people more energy.

Physical therapy. Treatment of underlying conditions, such as talk therapy for depression.

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