You wake up already feeling drained. The alarm rings at 5 a.m., and you drag yourself out of bed. By 9 a.m., you’re already yawning at your desk or dozing off during lectures. By 2 p.m., your body feels like it’s been through a marathon. You’re not even sure why you’re so exhausted all the time.
Thousands of Nigerians, university students, full-time workers, stay-at-home mums, and business owners are dealing with constant fatigue. We’ve been conditioned to believe it’s just the normal stress of adulting or hustling, but feeling tired all the time isn’t normal; it’s not laziness, weakness, or age.
This constant exhaustion is often linked to skipping meals due to a tight budget, relying on late-night energy drinks to meet deadlines, and lifestyle choices such as poor sleep, iron deficiency, and vitamin B12 shortages.
In this article, we’ll discuss the real reasons why so many Nigerians feel tired all the time, the specific nutrients your body needs to feel energized again, as well as food sources and daily habits that can help restore your energy.
Whether you’re a working-class adult, a busy parent, or a student, this guide will help you understand your body better and reclaim your energy.
Common Causes of Fatigue in Nigerians
Iron Deficiency
This is the leading cause of Fatigue. In Nigeria, up to 57% of pregnant women and around 47% of non-pregnant women are anemic. Children under five are also heavily affected. Globally, iron-deficiency anemia affects billions and often shows up as fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.
Without enough iron, the body can’t make sufficient hemoglobin, meaning red blood cells can’t carry oxygen effectively. The result is chronic exhaustion and shortness of breath, even after minor activity.
Signs you may be iron-deficient could be feeling always tired or weak, Brain fog, poor concentration, Easy bruising, brittle nails, Shortness of breath, or headache
In this situation, eating iron-rich foods (beans, spinach, red meat), foods rich in vitamin C can increase the supply of iron and an iron supplement if needed.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
While specific data is limited, studies show that up to 36% of pregnant women in Nigeria may have B12 deficiency. Globally, deficiency rates in parts of Africa reach up to 70%.
Vitamin B12 is important producing red blood cells and maintaining nervous system health. Without it, energy production suffers leading to fatigue, memory relapse and even nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness.
Symptoms often include Brain fog or memory issues, constant tiredness despite sleep, pale or slightly yellow skin, and tingling hands or feet.
It can be resolved by taking animal-source foods, fortified cereals, and considering a vegan-friendly B12 supplement if needed.
Dehydration & Poor Sleep
Sleep deprivation and dehydration are overlooked but critical reasons for exhaustion. Not drinking enough water slows metabolism and lowers energy. Chronic poor sleep due to stress, or screen time, leads to cognitive decline and increased fatigue .
We should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night, regular hydration, and reduce caffeine or alcohol near bedtime.
Other Nutrient Deficiencies and Lifestyle Stressors
Vitamin B9 and B12 support mood and red blood cell creation. Adolescent girls often lack B12, raising fatigue risk. Low levels of Vitamin D are common in urban areas and tied to fatigue and weight gain. Magnesium & Zinc help manage blood sugar, reduce cramps, and support deeper, restorative sleep.
Chronic stress and mental load increase cortisol. Excessive screen time and sitting, Caffeine or sugar crashes, and overcommitment to work can cause fatigue and even increase these nutrient deficiences.
Final Thoughts: Fix your Lifestyle and Diet
Tiredness isn’t just part of life; it could be your body telling you something needs attention. Pay attention to your lifestyle and diet choices.
Eat iron-rich + vitamin C foods daily, Support with Vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and Vitamin D foods or supplements like Purna gummies from Purna Nigeria, hydrate and sleep well, reduce stress, and increase light exercise.