Energy
Always tired? 12 common causes of fatigue in men
Feeling tired all the time drains your work, relationships and sex drive. Here are 12 common causes when men feel always tired, and what to do about them.
In short: The most common causes of constant tiredness in men are poor sleep, stress, too little activity, poor diet and alcohol. Medical causes include sleep apnoea, low testosterone, anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, depression and some medicines. Persistent fatigue for more than a few weeks is worth checking.
Lifestyle causes
1. Not enough sleep
Most men need seven to nine hours. See lack of sleep and erectile dysfunction.
2. Stress
Ongoing stress exhausts the body. See rhodiola rosea benefits for men.
3. Inactivity
Regular exercise boosts energy over time. See exercises for erectile dysfunction.
4. Diet
Skipping meals, sugary foods and too little protein cause energy crashes. See sugar and erectile dysfunction.
5. Alcohol
Disrupts sleep quality. See beer and testosterone.
6. Too much caffeine
Leads to poor sleep and crashes. See energy drinks and erectile dysfunction.
Medical causes
7. Sleep apnoea
Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.
8. Low testosterone
Fatigue, low drive and weaker erections. See low testosterone symptoms in men.
9. Anaemia and low iron
Tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin.
10. Thyroid problems
See thyroid and erectile dysfunction.
11. Diabetes
Fatigue, thirst and frequent urination. See frequent urination in men.
12. Depression
Persistent low mood and loss of interest. See depression and erectile dysfunction.
Other causes include vitamin D or B12 deficiency, infections such as TB and HIV, and medicines.
When to get checked
See an appropriately registered medical professional if tiredness lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with weight loss, night sweats, breathlessness or low mood. See night sweats in men.
Natural steps to boost energy
- Keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Move daily, even a 20-minute walk.
- Eat regular meals with protein, fibre and vegetables.
- Limit alcohol and late caffeine.
- Get daylight in the morning.
- Check vitamin D. See vitamin D and testosterone.
How we can help
Our naturopaths look at sleep, stress, diet and hormones together to build a natural plan for energy and drive, and refer you for tests when needed.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
- Do you feel tired most days, even after a full night in bed?
- Has your weight around the middle increased?
- Have stress, low mood or poor sleep become more common?
- Have you noticed weaker erections or fewer morning erections?
Two or more yes answers suggest that energy, sleep, stress or weight may be affecting your drive. These are areas where natural, practical support often makes a real difference, and a naturopath can help you work out where to start.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I always tired as a man?
Common causes include poor sleep, stress, inactivity, diet and alcohol, as well as medical causes like low testosterone, anaemia and thyroid problems.
Can low testosterone make you tired?
Yes. Fatigue is a common symptom of low testosterone.
When should I see someone about tiredness?
If it lasts more than a few weeks or comes with weight loss, night sweats or low mood.
How can I boost my energy naturally?
Sleep regularly, move daily, eat balanced meals, limit alcohol and caffeine, and get morning daylight.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- NHS: Tiredness and fatigue
- Mayo Clinic: Male hypogonadism
- Mayo Clinic: How many hours of sleep are enough?
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
