Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults reported feeling very tired or exhausted at least some days over a three-month period, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics analyzed responses from 31,917 adults who participated in the 2024 National Health Interview Survey. Overall, 71.5% reported experiencing fatigue at least some days during the previous three months, while 16.6% said they felt very tired or exhausted most days or every day.

Researchers distinguished fatigue from ordinary sleepiness, defining it as physical or mental tiredness or exhaustion that does not improve with additional sleep or rest. Women reported frequent fatigue at a higher rate than men, 20% compared with 13%.

Younger adults were also more likely to report frequent fatigue than older Americans. The rate was 19.5% among adults ages 18 to 34 and declined with age, reaching 12.9% among adults 65 and older. Frequent fatigue also decreased as family income increased, while adults in the South and Midwest reported higher rates than those in the Northeast and West.

The report found that frequent fatigue can affect everyday functioning. About half of adults experiencing frequent fatigue reported difficulties in at least three areas of daily life, compared with 16.9% of adults without frequent fatigue. Thirty-six percent reported limitations in the type or amount of work they could perform.

People experiencing frequent fatigue were also more likely to report cognitive difficulties, depression and anxiety. Sociologist Natalie A.E. Young, the report’s lead author, said fatigue is among the most commonly reported health concerns in primary care.

The CDC report did not examine the causes of fatigue. Poor sleep and stress can contribute, but persistent exhaustion can also accompany medical conditions and mental health problems. Experts recommend paying attention to sleep and stress patterns and seeking medical advice when fatigue is persistent, worsening, or unexplained.