# Lethargy

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State of tiredness, weariness, fatigue, or lack of energy

Not to be confused with [Fatigue](/source/Fatigue).

For the 1990s band, see [Lethargy (band)](/source/Lethargy_(band)).

**Lethargy** is a state of physical or mental weariness, [fatigue](/source/Fatigue_(medical)), sluggishness, or lack of energy. It can be accompanied by [depression](/source/Depression_(mood)), decreased motivation, or [apathy](/source/Apathy), but can also present with having a desire, but not the energy to initiate or perform tasks.[1] Lethargy can be a normal response to inadequate sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise, improper nutrition, drug abuse, [boredom](/source/Boredom), or a symptom of an underlying illness or disorder. It may also be a side effect of medication or caused by an interaction between medications and [alcohol](/source/Alcoholic_drink). It may also be an [altered level of consciousness](/source/Altered_level_of_consciousness).[2]

When part of a normal response, lethargy often resolves with rest, adequate sleep, decreased stress, physical exercise, and good nutrition.[3] Its symptoms, however, can last days or even months,[4] so it can be a sign of a recent underlying illness or infection if it does not resolve normally.

## See also

- [Clinical depression](/source/Clinical_depression)

- [Disorders of diminished motivation](/source/Disorders_of_diminished_motivation)

- [Encephalitis lethargica](/source/Encephalitis_lethargica)

- [Sleep apnea](/source/Sleep_apnea)

- [Sleep deprivation](/source/Sleep_deprivation)

- [Somnolence](/source/Somnolence)

- [Altered level of consciousness](/source/Altered_level_of_consciousness)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Lethargy (Concept Id: C0023380) - MedGen - NCBI"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/7310). *www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov*. Retrieved 2026-05-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Tindall, Suzie C. (1990), Walker, H. Kenneth; Hall, W. Dallas; Hurst, J. Willis (eds.), ["Level of Consciousness"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK380/), *Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations* (3rd ed.), Boston: Butterworths, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-409-90077-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-409-90077-4), [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [21250221](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21250221), retrieved 2022-03-26{{[citation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Citation)}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_work_parameter_with_ISBN))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Hall J. E., Guyton A. C. (2006): Textbook of medical physiology, 11th edition. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, Mo, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7216-0240-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7216-0240-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Chronic fatigue syndrome - Symptoms and causes"](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490). *Mayo Clinic*. Retrieved 2022-03-26.

## External links

- The dictionary definition of [*lethargy*](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/lethargy) at Wiktionary

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