Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsADHD and TirednessHow It FeelsCausesBrain FogBurnoutSimilar SymptomsManage FatigueNext in ADHD Guide6 Natural Remedies for ADHD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ADHD and Tiredness
How It Feels
Causes
Brain Fog
Burnout
Similar Symptoms
Manage Fatigue
Next in ADHD Guide
There is a common link betweenattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) andfatigue. Though the exact reason for the connection is unknown, many people with ADHD will experience mental or physical exhaustion that can lead to burnout if left unaddressed,
This article will provide information on ADHD fatigue, potential causes, ADHD and burnout, and ways to address fatigue.
Iuliia Burmistrova / Getty Images
Can ADHD Make You Feel Tired?
There is a strong correlation between ADHD and tiredness or fatigue, and people with ADHD often report experiencing more tiredness, stress, and fatigue than those without it. Some people also experience central fatigue syndrome, which causes tiredness and long-term fatigue. Conversely, those with central fatigue syndrome are often found to have ADHD symptoms.
Fatigue looks and feels different for everyone, and it can be mental or muscular and result from lack of sleep ordepression.
Fatigue Is a Warning SignFatigue is one of the ways the body signals a warning. Experiencing fatigue is your body’s way of telling your brain it needs to rest.
Fatigue Is a Warning Sign
Fatigue is one of the ways the body signals a warning. Experiencing fatigue is your body’s way of telling your brain it needs to rest.
The Relationship Between ADHD and Sleep
What Does ADHD Fatigue Feel Like?
ADHD fatigue can bring feelings of physical and mental exhaustion and difficulty sleeping. Some people also experience pain and less awareness of body movements. Periods of worsened or more intensified ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to relax and get rest.
For many people with ADHD, fatigue feels overwhelming. Competing tasks and priorities become challenging to manage, and it’s common to be distracted and forgetful and to struggle with staying organized and on track.
How the ADHD Brain Is Wired Differently
What Causes ADHD Fatigue?
There are varying possible reasons why people experience ADHD fatigue, including other co-occurring disorders, medication, or burnout from managing symptoms.
One possible cause of ADHD fatigue is the association between hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) orhypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(hEDS) and ADHD. Though a person can have HSD or hEDS without ADHD, the two are often linked. HSD and hEDS often cause sleep problems and overall fatigue.
It is also common for people with ADHD to experience central fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS occurs when there is increased plasma tryptophan in the brain, which causes feelings of tiredness and overall fatigue.
ADHD medicationscan also cause fatigue or drowsiness in some people, and for others, not being able to “turn off” their brains can cause difficulty sleeping and tiredness throughout the day.
ADHD and Brain Fog
For some people who have never experienced ADHD symptoms before, sudden brain fog is likely due to another cause, such as diet, medication, or illness. Talking with a healthcare provider is the best way to determine the cause of brain fog. A provider can help you understand any factors contributing to brain fog through psychological and physical testing and a complete medical history.
ADHD Burnout
It can also be difficult for people with ADHD to manage life responsibilities, like parenting and managing appointments. These responsibilities can be taxing and difficult to organize which can feel exhausting.
Adult ADHD and Sick LeaveAdults with ADHD are at higher risk of exhaustion and burnout and take twice as much sick leave as their peers.
Adult ADHD and Sick Leave
Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of exhaustion and burnout and take twice as much sick leave as their peers.
10 Surprising Benefits of Having ADHD
Other, Similar Symptoms
People with ADHD have a hard time staying focused and often have to work harder than others to complete tasks, stay on track, and accomplish goals. This extra work can lead to ongoing stress and difficulty coping. ADHD also often leads to marital problems, difficulty on the job, financial issues, and other challenges.
People with ADHD also often report feeling sensitive to criticism, especially at work. Ongoing criticism can be tiresome and lead to burnout as well. For some people, being understimulated can lead to boredom, which may appear as fatigue.
ADHD in Boys vs. Girls
What You Can Do About ADHD Fatigue
Learning to manage symptoms and overcome fatigue is an important way to avoid burnout. Here are some approaches to avoiding ADHD-related fatigue:
Summary
Fatigue is a common symptom in those with ADHD. Fatigue often brings tiredness and stress and can lead to burnout. Though the exact cause can be unknown and vary from person to person, ADHD-related fatigue may be due to other coexisting disorders, medication, or burnout from managing ADHD symptoms. Using organizational tools and techniques can help prevent fatigue and avoid burnout.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yamamoto T.The relationship between central fatigue and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of the inattentive type.Neurochem Res. 2022;47(9):2890-2898. doi:10.1007/s11064-022-03693-yKindgren E, Quiñones Perez A, Knez R.Prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children with hypermobility spectrum disorders or hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome: a retrospective study.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:379-388. doi:10.2147/NDT.S290494Oscarsson M, Nelson M, Rozental A, Ginsberg Y, Carlbring P, Jönsson F.Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):751. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04409-wTargum SD, Adler LA.Our current understanding of adult ADHD.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(11-12):30-35.Victor MM, Müller Haas L, Grevet EH, Rohde LA.Successful treatment of post-COVID-19 ADHD-like syndrome: a case report.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(10):1092-1098. doi:10.1177/10870547231168338
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yamamoto T.The relationship between central fatigue and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of the inattentive type.Neurochem Res. 2022;47(9):2890-2898. doi:10.1007/s11064-022-03693-yKindgren E, Quiñones Perez A, Knez R.Prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children with hypermobility spectrum disorders or hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome: a retrospective study.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:379-388. doi:10.2147/NDT.S290494Oscarsson M, Nelson M, Rozental A, Ginsberg Y, Carlbring P, Jönsson F.Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):751. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04409-wTargum SD, Adler LA.Our current understanding of adult ADHD.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(11-12):30-35.Victor MM, Müller Haas L, Grevet EH, Rohde LA.Successful treatment of post-COVID-19 ADHD-like syndrome: a case report.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(10):1092-1098. doi:10.1177/10870547231168338
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yamamoto T.The relationship between central fatigue and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of the inattentive type.Neurochem Res. 2022;47(9):2890-2898. doi:10.1007/s11064-022-03693-yKindgren E, Quiñones Perez A, Knez R.Prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children with hypermobility spectrum disorders or hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome: a retrospective study.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:379-388. doi:10.2147/NDT.S290494Oscarsson M, Nelson M, Rozental A, Ginsberg Y, Carlbring P, Jönsson F.Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):751. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04409-wTargum SD, Adler LA.Our current understanding of adult ADHD.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(11-12):30-35.Victor MM, Müller Haas L, Grevet EH, Rohde LA.Successful treatment of post-COVID-19 ADHD-like syndrome: a case report.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(10):1092-1098. doi:10.1177/10870547231168338
Yamamoto T.The relationship between central fatigue and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of the inattentive type.Neurochem Res. 2022;47(9):2890-2898. doi:10.1007/s11064-022-03693-y
Kindgren E, Quiñones Perez A, Knez R.Prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children with hypermobility spectrum disorders or hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome: a retrospective study.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:379-388. doi:10.2147/NDT.S290494
Oscarsson M, Nelson M, Rozental A, Ginsberg Y, Carlbring P, Jönsson F.Stress and work-related mental illness among working adults with ADHD: a qualitative study.BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):751. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04409-w
Targum SD, Adler LA.Our current understanding of adult ADHD.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(11-12):30-35.
Victor MM, Müller Haas L, Grevet EH, Rohde LA.Successful treatment of post-COVID-19 ADHD-like syndrome: a case report.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(10):1092-1098. doi:10.1177/10870547231168338
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