Fatigue Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fatigue is a feeling of constant exhaustion, burnout, or lack of energy. It can be physical, mental, or both. Nearly every adult in Grand Rapids will experience fatigue at some point, but when it becomes persistent, it can interfere with work, family life, and enjoying everything West Michigan has to offer.

Local primary care providers, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health clinics, see many patients each year for concerns related to fatigue.

Fatigue Is a Symptom, Not a Condition

Feeling tired after a long day, shoveling snow in a Grand Rapids winter, or a late night at a Griffins game is normal. This type of tiredness usually improves with:

  • A nap or a few nights of good sleep
  • Rest after physical exertion
  • Short-term stress relief

Fatigue is different. It is more persistent and often does not go away with normal rest. Fatigue is a symptom, not a disease itself. It can signal:

  • An underlying medical condition
  • A mental health concern
  • Lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, stress, work hours)
  • A combination of these

If fatigue is affecting how you work, drive, study at Grand Valley or GRCC, care for your family, or enjoy your life in Grand Rapids, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.

Common Symptoms of Fatigue

Fatigue can be physical, mental, and emotional. You may notice:

  • Chronic tiredness or sleepiness
  • Lack of energy or low motivation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Sore or aching muscles
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slowed reflexes and responses
  • Impaired decision-making and judgement
  • Irritability or moodiness
  • Poor concentration or “brain fog”
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Reduced immune function (getting sick more often)
  • Loss of appetite
  • In severe cases, hallucinations

If you feel too tired to safely drive on I‑196, M‑6, or around downtown Grand Rapids, your fatigue may be putting you and others at risk.

Causes of Fatigue

For many people in Grand Rapids, fatigue is caused by a mix of:

  • Lifestyle factors
  • Work and commuting patterns
  • Psychological (mental health) issues
  • Medical conditions
  • Seasonal and environmental factors (such as long winters)

Below are the main categories of fatigue causes.

Sleep Problems

Poor sleep is one of the most common causes of fatigue.

Common sleep-related issues include:

  • Too little sleep
  • Poor quality sleep
  • Too much sleep that still doesn’t feel refreshing
  • Disturbed sleep due to:
    • Noisy neighbors in an apartment or downtown living
    • Young children waking during the night
    • A partner who snores or moves a lot
    • An uncomfortable bedroom (too warm, too cold, stuffy, too much light)

Medical sleep conditions that cause fatigue include:

  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea (common in people who are overweight or have certain jaw/throat shapes)
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Insomnia

Sleep apnea is especially important to diagnose, as it increases the risk of heart disease and is more common in areas like West Michigan where obesity rates are higher than average. Sleep studies are available through major Grand Rapids health systems.

Alcohol, Caffeine, and Other Substances

  • Alcohol is a depressant. It may make you feel sleepy, but it disrupts normal sleep cycles and can cause you to wake up often during the night, leading to daytime fatigue.
  • Caffeine (in coffee, energy drinks, soda) stimulates the nervous system and can cause insomnia or restless sleep, especially if used late in the day.
  • Nicotine (cigarettes, vaping) is also a stimulant and can interfere with sleep.
  • Recreational drugs and some prescription medications may cause drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect.

Lack of Regular Exercise and Sedentary Behavior

Regular physical activity:

  • Improves fitness and heart health
  • Reduces stress
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Helps you sleep better

Inactivity—especially during long West Michigan winters when people are indoors more—can increase fatigue. At the same time, too much or the wrong type of exercise for your fitness level can also lead to exhaustion.

Poor Diet

What you eat has a major impact on energy:

  • Very low-calorie or very low-carbohydrate diets may not provide enough fuel
  • Diets high in sugary snacks, fast food, or processed foods are often low in essential nutrients
  • “Quick fix” foods and drinks (chocolate bars, sugary sodas, energy drinks, high-caffeine drinks) give a short burst of energy followed by a crash

A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports steady energy levels. Local Grand Rapids resources, such as nutrition services at Spectrum Health and Metro Health, can help you plan healthier meals.

Individual and Life Factors

Personal circumstances can also drain your energy:

  • Chronic illness or recent injury
  • Illness or caregiving responsibilities in the family
  • Too many commitments (for example, working two jobs or studying and working)
  • Financial stress, which is a common issue in many Kent County households
  • Major life changes (moving, divorce, new baby, etc.)

Many people in Grand Rapids work in healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and service industries. Work-related fatigue is common and can be serious, especially in jobs involving driving, machinery, or patient care.

Shift Work

The human body is designed to sleep at night. A part of the brain called the circadian clock controls your sleep–wake cycle.

Shift work can confuse this internal clock, especially if you:

  • Work overnight shifts
  • Rotate shifts frequently
  • Switch between day and night schedules

This is especially common among:

  • Hospital and nursing home staff
  • Factory and warehouse workers
  • First responders and law enforcement
  • Hospitality and service workers

Poor Workplace Practices and Conditions

Workplace issues that can contribute to fatigue include:

  • Long work hours or frequent overtime
  • Hard physical labor
  • Irregular or rotating shifts
  • Excessive noise or extreme temperatures (hot factories in summer, cold outdoor work in winter)
  • Boring, repetitive tasks requiring continuous concentration
  • Working alone with little interaction or support

Workplace Stress and Burnout

Work-related stress is a major driver of fatigue. Common factors:

  • Heavy workload
  • Job dissatisfaction
  • Conflicts with supervisors or colleagues
  • Bullying or harassment
  • Constant organizational changes
  • Fear of layoffs or job insecurity

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion usually related to chronic workplace stress. It often involves:

  • Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
  • Reduced performance at work
  • Feeling detached or cynical about your job
  • Neglecting other areas of life (family, hobbies, health)

Fatigue is often one of the main symptoms of burnout.

Unemployment

Unemployment or underemployment can also cause fatigue due to:

  • Financial pressures
  • Feelings of failure or guilt
  • Stress of ongoing job searching
  • Depression and anxiety

Local resources like Michigan Works! and community mental health services in Kent County can provide support.

3. Psychological Causes of Fatigue

Mental health conditions are a very common cause of fatigue in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.

Depression

Depression can cause:

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Sleep problems (sleeping too little or too much)
  • Low energy and fatigue nearly every day

If you have felt down, hopeless, or uninterested in things for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Anxiety

Anxiety involves:

  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Feeling tense, on edge, or “keyed up”
  • Racing thoughts
  • Difficulty sleeping or relaxing

Occasional anxiety is normal (for example, before a big presentation or exam). But if anxiety is frequent, intense, or doesn’t have a clear cause, it may be an anxiety disorder and can lead to significant fatigue.

Grief and Loss

Losing a loved one—whether from illness, accident, or other causes—can lead to:

  • Shock and disbelief
  • Guilt
  • Deep sadness or despair
  • Loneliness
  • Sleep disturbance and exhaustion

Grief support groups and counseling are available through local hospitals, churches, and community organizations in Grand Rapids.

4. Medical Causes of Fatigue

Persistent, unrelenting fatigue can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Some common medical causes include:

  • Infections: flu, mononucleosis (glandular fever), COVID‑19
  • Endocrine disorders: thyroid problems (underactive or overactive thyroid), diabetes
  • Heart and lung disease: heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Blood disorders: anemia (low red blood cells)
  • Neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Cancer and cancer treatments
  • Chronic kidney or liver disease
  • Autoimmune diseases

Because Michigan experiences long, dark winters, vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can also contribute to low energy and fatigue.

If you have ongoing fatigue plus other symptoms—such as shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats—see a doctor promptly.

Chronic Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Ongoing, unexplained fatigue lasting more than six months is sometimes called chronic fatigue. This is different from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

ME/CFS typically includes:

  • Severe, unexplained fatigue lasting longer than six months
  • Fatigue that is not improved by rest
  • Post-exertional malaise (PEM): symptoms get worse after physical or mental exertion, often with a delay of 24 hours or more
  • Sleep that is not refreshing
  • Problems with memory and concentration
  • Sometimes pain, dizziness, or other symptoms

If you have had ongoing fatigue for more than six months and feel significantly worse after activity, talk with a provider experienced in ME/CFS. Large health systems in Grand Rapids can help evaluate these symptoms or refer you to specialists.

Diagnosing Fatigue in Grand Rapids

Because fatigue can have many causes, your healthcare provider will look at both medical and non-medical aspects of your life.

A Grand Rapids doctor may:

  • Take a detailed medical history, including:
    • Recent illnesses or infections
    • Childbirth or pregnancy
    • Surgeries
    • Medications and supplements
    • Weight loss or gain
  • Ask about:
    • Sleep habits and schedule
    • Diet and caffeine/alcohol intake
    • Exercise level
    • Work schedule (including shift work and commute)
    • Stress, mood, and major life events (such as job loss or bereavement)
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Order lab tests, for example:
    • Complete blood count (to check for anemia or infection)
    • Thyroid function tests
    • Blood sugar (for diabetes)
    • Kidney and liver function tests
    • Vitamin levels (such as vitamin D or B12) when appropriate

Depending on what they find, you may be referred to:

  • A sleep specialist (for snoring or suspected sleep apnea)
  • A cardiologist or endocrinologist
  • A psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor
  • Physical or occupational therapists

Treating and Managing Fatigue

Treatment depends on the cause. For many people in Grand Rapids, fatigue improves with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical care.

Your healthcare provider may recommend:

Lifestyle Changes

  • Sleep hygiene improvements:

    • Keeping a regular sleep schedule (even on weekends)
    • Making your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
    • Limiting screens and bright light before bed
    • Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals late in the day

  • Appropriate exercise:

    • Starting with light to moderate activity (walking, gentle cycling, yoga)
    • Gradually increasing intensity as tolerated
    • Using indoor options during icy or very cold Michigan weather (gyms, mall walking, home workouts)

  • Dietary changes:

    • Eating regular, balanced meals
    • Reducing sugary, highly processed foods and energy drinks
    • Drinking enough water
    • Working with a dietitian if needed

  • Substance changes:

    • Reducing or avoiding alcohol
    • Cutting back on caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening
    • Quitting smoking or vaping (help is available through local quit programs)

Medical and Mental Health Care

  • Treating underlying medical conditions (for example, thyroid disease, anemia, diabetes, sleep apnea)
  • Adjusting medications that may be causing fatigue
  • Medications when appropriate for depression, anxiety, or other conditions
  • Psychological support, such as:
    • Counseling or psychotherapy
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Support groups (for grief, chronic illness, or mental health)

All major Grand Rapids health systems—Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—offer primary care, specialty care, and mental health services to help manage fatigue.

Seasonal and Local Factors in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan can affect your energy levels:

  • Long, dark winters can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), with symptoms of low mood and fatigue. Light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, and counseling can help.
  • Cold temperatures and snow may limit outdoor activity, increasing sedentary time. Planning indoor exercise is important.
  • Allergy seasons in spring and fall can cause fatigue due to allergies themselves or from allergy medications.

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources provide community programs, vaccination clinics (for flu and COVID‑19), and health education that can help reduce illness-related fatigue.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids for Fatigue

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if:

  • Fatigue lasts more than two weeks and is not improving
  • You have fatigue for more than six months without a clear cause
  • Fatigue interferes with work, school, driving, or family life
  • You feel worse after physical or mental activity
  • You have other concerning symptoms, such as:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Persistent fever or night sweats
    • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

In an emergency (such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or confusion while driving), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are struggling with fatigue, consider reaching out to:

  • Your primary care doctor (family medicine or internal medicine)
  • A psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist
  • Allied health professionals:
    • Physiotherapist / physical therapist
    • Occupational therapist
    • Dietitian or nutritionist

Local resources include:

  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health clinics and hospitals
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers
  • Local mental health providers and support groups

Key Points About Fatigue

  • Fatigue is a symptom, not a condition.
  • It can be physical, mental, or emotional and often involves low energy, sleepiness, irritability, and lack of motivation.
  • Fatigue is commonly caused by a combination of lifestyle factors, workplace issues, psychological conditions, and medical problems.
  • Ongoing, unexplained fatigue is different from ME/CFS, which includes post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after activity).
  • With proper evaluation and a personalized plan—including lifestyle changes and medical care—most people in Grand Rapids can significantly improve their fatigue and quality of life.