Lethargy

Lethargy is a state of tiredness, sleepiness, weariness, fatigue, sluggishness, or lack of energy. It can be accompanied by depression, decreased motivation, or apathy. Lethargy can be a normal response to inadequate sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise, improper nutrition, drug abuse, 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. It may also be an altered level of consciousness.^[1]

When part of a normal response, lethargy often resolves with rest, adequate sleep, decreased stress, physical exercise, and good nutrition.^[2] Its symptoms, however, can last days or even months,^[3] so it can be a sign of a recent underlying illness or infection if it does not resolve normally.

• Clinical depression
• Disorders of diminished motivation
• Encephalitis lethargica
• Sleep apnea
• Sleep deprivation
• Somnolence

• The dictionary definition of lethargy at Wiktionary

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