America's Fatigue Epidemic: 71.5% of Adults Say They Are Exhausted, per CDC
Nearly three in four adults are running on empty
About 71.5% of U.S. adults say they experienced fatigue on at least some days over the past three months, making exhaustion one of the most common health complaints in the country.
The findings come from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, based on the 2024 National Health Interview Survey of roughly 27,000 adults aged 18 and older. The study defined fatigue as physical or mental tiredness that does not improve with additional sleep or rest.
One in six feels it most or every day
The breakdown shows 54.9% reported fatigue on some days, 10.7% on most days, and 5.9% every day. In total, 16.6% of adults experienced frequent fatigue, meaning they felt worn out most days or every day.
Women are hit harder than men: 20% of women reported frequent fatigue versus 13% of men. Rates are highest among adults aged 18 to 34 at 19.5%, and lowest among adults 65 and older at 12.9%.
More than just being tired
Lead author Natalie A.E. Young told NBC News that fatigue is "one of the most frequently reported health concerns in primary care visits in the U.S." She added that people with frequent fatigue face limitations in daily life, including cognitive difficulties, depression and anxiety.
The study looked only at the frequency of fatigue, not its causes, and it did not compare rates with previous years. Researchers say those with regular fatigue are at higher risk of activity limitations, including permanent work disability.
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Options market and stocks to watch
An exhausted nation is a bullish backdrop for the energy and stimulant aisle. MNST and CELH sell the quickest fix to daily fatigue, and a story this widespread keeps consumer-staples demand in focus. Supplement and wellness retail also benefits as consumers chase remedies, putting WMT and its health-and-wellness shelves in the frame.
The darker side is productivity and healthcare spending: fatigue tied to depression and anxiety points to higher utilization of behavioral health services, with managed-care names like UNH worth watching on claims trends. Watch options flow in XLP for defensive positioning around the consumer.
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