Why is my teen So Tired All the Time? Understanding Teen Fatigue
If you're a teen constantly feeling wiped out—even after what should be a good night’s sleep—you’re not imagining things. And if you’re a parent wondering why your once high-energy kid is now permanently horizontal on the couch? Totally fair question.
Fatigue is one of the most common issues teens face, and it’s not just about staying up too late or too much screen time. Often, there’s something deeper happening under the surface—physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Let’s break down some of the biggest reasons behind teen exhaustion and what you can actually do about it.
Common Causes of Fatigue in Teens
1. Mental Load & Stress
Between school deadlines, social dynamics, family stuff, college pressure, and the 24/7 chaos of social media—teen brains are juggling a lot.
Even if you're just sitting in class or scrolling on your phone, your mind might be working overtime. That kind of mental burnout shows up in your body as physical exhaustion. It’s not laziness—it’s overload.
2. Poor Sleep Quality
Teen bodies naturally shift to a later sleep cycle during puberty (thank you, melatonin), but school start times don’t shift with it.
Add in late-night doomscrolling, group chats that never sleep, and anxiety that kicks in right when your head hits the pillow—and it’s no wonder sleep doesn’t feel restorative. Even if you clock 8 hours, it might not be deep, high-quality rest.
3. Low Iron (Common in Teen Girls)
Iron helps carry oxygen through your body. Without enough of it, you might feel dizzy, foggy, short of breath, or just so tired.
Teen girls lose iron through their periods, and if they have heavy bleeding or low iron intake from food, that can snowball into fatigue. It’s one of the most common (and treatable!) causes of exhaustion in teens.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Conditions like PCOS, PMDD, or thyroid issues can totally mess with your energy, mood, and cycle.
These often go undiagnosed in teens—especially if someone says “you’re just being moody” or “that’s just how periods are.” But when hormones are out of whack, your whole body can feel off.
5. Nutrition & Blood Sugar Swings
Skipping meals, overdoing sugary snacks, or under-eating overall? Your energy levels will feel the crash.
Teens need a lot of fuel—especially protein, complex carbs, and iron-rich foods—to keep up with growth spurts, brain development, and hormone changes.
So… Is This Normal?
Some tiredness is expected during adolescence. But chronic fatigue isn’t something to just shrug off. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Here are a few signs it’s time to check in with a trusted adult or provider:
You’re getting enough sleep but still feel wrecked
You’re too tired to do things you normally enjoy
You feel dizzy, foggy, or weak—especially around your period
Your periods are super heavy or wipe you out
You notice intense mood swings that seem tied to exhaustion
Fatigue isn’t “just teen drama.” It’s the body waving a little flag that something might be up.
What You Can Do
No, the answer isn’t “just try harder” or “take a nap” (although short naps can help!). Here’s where to start:
Keep a sleep + energy log for 7 days
Track how much you’re sleeping, when you feel most tired, and what you’re eating. Patterns will pop up.Eat real meals—especially breakfast
Skipping meals can mess with your blood sugar and mood. Try adding a little protein (like eggs, nut butter, yogurt, or tofu) to get stable energy.Talk to a provider
Ask about checking your iron, thyroid, or hormone levels. A simple blood test can rule things out and help you feel like you again.Don’t brush off your symptoms
If your fatigue is messing with your life, it’s valid. You deserve answers—and support.