CDC Report Reveals Who’s Most Tired in America
CDC study finds 71.5% of U.S. adults report fatigue, with women and younger adults most affected.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that nearly three-quarters of American adults are experiencing fatigue on multiple days over the past three months, highlighting a growing public health concern.
The findings, published by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), show that women and younger adults are more likely to report persistent tiredness than men. The data comes from a survey of 27,000 adults aged 18 and older conducted in 2024, marking the first major study on general fatigue in the U.S.
Sociologist Natalie A.E. Young, who led the research, emphasized that fatigue is a common issue in primary care visits. She noted that it can lead to activity limitations and even permanent work disability, yet it has not received much attention in previous studies. The report also found that those with frequent fatigue are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties, underscoring the broader impact of this widespread condition.
Regional differences were also observed, with higher rates of fatigue reported in the South (17.7%) and Midwest (17.5%) compared to the West (15.6%) and Northeast (14.5%). While the study did not explore the underlying causes of fatigue or compare it to past years, experts suggest that stress, mental health challenges, and lifestyle factors may be contributing to the trend.
📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES
Dr. Alana A. Lewis, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, said the results align with what many Americans experience daily. We all feel fatigue at some point, she said. Stress, which has increased in recent years, can trigger hormonal changes that lead to exhaustion. Clinical psychologist Jennifer Caspari added that people are often overwhelmed by their responsibilities, leading to burnout and disrupted sleep.
Women, in particular, reported higher rates of fatigue, with 20% experiencing it on most days or every day. Caspari pointed to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, caregiving roles, and societal expectations that may contribute to their exhaustion. She also highlighted the importance of addressing mental, physical, and lifestyle factors to manage fatigue effectively.
Experts recommend focusing on basic health habits, such as sleep and stress management, to determine whether fatigue is temporary or chronic. They also encourage rest, both passive and active, to help restore energy. You’re not a robot, Caspari said. You only have so much energy.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
