Question
Why would a young adult male, 19 years old and physically fit, have decreased energy levels? He never feels well rested and when he awakens, has a hard time becoming alert. What lab work should he have done? What are other areas do we need to look at?
Answer
Often young college students come home from school overworked and overtired. You might consider sending your student to see his primary care physician for a check up. The physician will probably start by getting a good history of his nutrition, sleep and study schedules, and ask about his caffeine intake - which includes "energy" drinks that many young adults are using today - as well as asking about drug and/or alcohol use. Of course, this questioning is all confidential. Depending on the interview, the physician may consider lab work for anemia or a viral infection like mononucleosis.