CDC Report Finds Nearly 75% of U.S. Adults Experience Frequent Fatigue
A CDC survey of about 27,000 adults in 2024 shows that roughly three-quarters have felt very tired or exhausted in the past three months, with higher rates among women, younger adults, and certain racial groups.
A recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics indicates that almost three-quarters of U.S. adults reported feeling "very tired or exhausted" on at least some days during the previous three months, and about one in six said this occurred most days or daily. The findings are based on a 2024 survey of roughly 27,000 adults.
The prevalence of frequent fatigue was highest among women and people aged 18 to 34, while adults 65 and older reported the lowest levels. Higher rates were also observed among American Indian and Alaska Native respondents and residents of the South and Midwest regions.
Researchers described fatigue as a state of physical or mental exhaustion that does not improve with rest and is associated with increased risks of disability, poorer overall health, and potentially earlier mortality. Respondents who reported frequent fatigue were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and difficulties with concentration.
The study did not investigate underlying causes, and experts note that fatigue remains an under-researched health issue.
"The findings are concerning, but not surprising," said addiction specialist Matt Glowiak, who was not involved in the report.
Health professionals, including specialists at the Mayo Clinic, advise basic lifestyle measures such as regular sleep, exercise, and stress-management techniques. They also recommend that persistent fatigue be evaluated by a medical professional rather than dismissed as a routine inconvenience.