CDC Survey Finds Women Report Higher Levels of Fatigue Than Men
A CDC poll of nearly 27,000 adults shows women are more likely than men to feel frequent fatigue, with about one-in-five women reporting it daily or almost daily.
In a 2024 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, almost 27,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older were asked about fatigue. The results revealed that more than half of women reported feeling fatigued on some days, and nearly one-fifth said they experience it most days or every day, a higher proportion than men. Clinical psychologist Jennifer Caspari attributed the gender gap to women shouldering more responsibilities and dealing with hormonal fluctuations, while also noting the broader pressures of modern, busy lives.
Sociologist Natalie A.E. Young, the study’s lead author, warned that frequent fatigue often co-occurs with cognitive difficulties, depression and anxiety, which can impede everyday activities. The survey found regional differences: about 18% of respondents in the South and Midwest reported frequent fatigue, compared with roughly 15% in the West and Northeast. The report did not explore underlying causes or compare the findings to previous years.
Why it matters
Understanding gender differences in fatigue can guide public health strategies and workplace policies.
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