Feeling shaky throughout the day can be unsettling and distracting. If you feel shaky all day, especially when it’s accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or fatigue, it’s natural to start wondering what’s going on with your health. While occasional trembling is normal—such as before a presentation or after intense physical activity—persistent shakiness that lasts all day may signal something more than temporary nerves. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes, explain why these sensations happen, and share practical steps you can take. The goal is to help you better understand why you may feel shaky all day and recognize when it’s important to seek medical care.
Table of Contents
- What Does “Feeling Shaky” Mean?
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- Anxiety and Stress
- Stimulants: Caffeine & Medications
- Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
- Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- Thyroid Issues
- Neurological Causes
- When to See a Doctor
- Final Thoughts
1. What Does “Feeling Shaky” Mean?
When people describe themselves as “shaky,” they often mean involuntary trembling or quivering in the body. This could be:
- Mild trembling that comes and goes
- Persistent shaking that lasts most of the day
- Internal shakiness (feeling unsteady without visible tremors)
Shakiness can involve your hands, legs, or even your whole body. It’s usually a signal from your body — an alert that something may not be balanced or functioning as expected.
2. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
One of the most common reasons people feel shaky throughout the day is low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Your body relies on glucose for energy, especially the brain and muscles. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline to raise glucose levels quickly. This hormone surge can lead to noticeable shakiness, sweating, and a racing heartbeat.
Low blood sugar may occur after skipping meals, exercising for long periods without refueling, or taking certain medications, particularly those used to manage diabetes. People often notice trembling hands, lightheadedness, irritability, hunger, and a rapid heartbeat. Eating regular, balanced meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Keeping quick snacks like fruit or nuts nearby may also prevent sudden drops. If symptoms improve soon after eating, low blood sugar is a likely contributor.
3. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety triggers your “fight-or-flight” response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body for danger — even when the danger is emotional or psychological.
How Anxiety Causes Shakiness
When stress hormones rise:
- Muscles tense
- Heart rate increases
- Tremors may occur
Common Anxiety-Related Symptoms
- Persistent worry or nervousness
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling on edge
Coping Strategies
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Regular physical activity
- Talking to a therapist or counselor
Anxiety can feel very real physically, but it’s often a response to emotional stress more than a medical issue.
4. Stimulants: Caffeine & Medications
Stimulants are substances that speed up your nervous system. Too much of them can make you feel jittery or shaky.
Common Stimulants
- Coffee and energy drinks (caffeine)
- Certain cold medicines
- Prescription stimulants
Why They Cause Shakiness
Caffeine and similar substances increase adrenaline. This makes your heart beat faster and your muscles more reactive — leading to trembling or jittery sensations.
Tips for Reduction
- Cut back on coffee or soda
- Switch to decaf or herbal tea
- Avoid stimulants late in the day
Even small amounts can affect sensitive individuals.
5. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Proper hydration and balanced electrolytes are essential for healthy nerve and muscle function. When the body lacks adequate fluids or electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, nerve signaling can become disrupted, resulting in shaking or weakness.
Dehydration may occur from not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications like diuretics. Symptoms often include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and muscle cramps along with shakiness. Drinking water consistently throughout the day, replenishing electrolytes after heavy sweating, and consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach can help restore balance. This cause is common yet frequently underestimated.
6. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure can also contribute to feelings of shakiness by reducing blood flow to the brain and muscles. This can lead to inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery, triggering tremors and weakness.
Hypotension commonly occurs after standing up too quickly, during dehydration, as a side effect of certain medications, or more frequently in older adults. Along with shakiness, individuals may experience dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, or even fainting in severe cases. Standing up slowly, staying well-hydrated, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can help manage low blood pressure-related symptoms.
7. Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. When thyroid hormone levels are unbalanced, the body’s systems may become overstimulated or sluggish, leading to physical symptoms such as shakiness.
An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, causes the body to function too quickly and often leads to tremors, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and unexplained weight loss. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, typically causes fatigue and weakness, though shakiness is less common. If shakiness is accompanied by unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or sensitivity to temperature, thyroid testing may be necessary to identify the underlying issue.
8. Neurological Causes
In some cases, shakiness originates from the nervous system itself. Neurological conditions affect how nerves communicate with muscles, which can result in involuntary movements or tremors.
Common neurological causes include essential tremor, a movement disorder characterized by rhythmic shaking; Parkinson’s disease, where shaking often occurs at rest and is accompanied by movement changes; and peripheral neuropathy, which involves nerve damage leading to weakness and trembling. Neurological causes should be considered if shaking is constant, rhythmic, affects only one side of the body, worsens over time, or is associated with coordination problems. These conditions require careful evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
9. When to See a Doctor
Most occasional shakiness can be explained by lifestyle and environmental triggers. But you should seek medical care if:
- Shakiness lasts most of the day for weeks
- It’s accompanied by fainting or severe dizziness
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing
- You notice weakness, numbness, or changes in speech or balance
- It interferes with daily activities
A health provider can evaluate your symptoms, run tests, and help determine the underlying cause.
10. Final Thoughts
Feeling shaky all day can stem from many causes — from low blood sugar and stress to dehydration and medical conditions. Identifying patterns in your symptoms and daily habits can be a helpful first step toward understanding what’s going on. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes — like eating regular meals, staying hydrated, reducing stimulants, and managing stress — can make a noticeable difference. But persistent or severe shakiness shouldn’t be ignored. Your body is communicating with you, and the right support can make a big difference.
If you’re experiencing persistent shakiness or aren’t sure what’s causing your symptoms, Stafford Family Practice is here to help. Our experienced providers can evaluate your condition, perform personalized testing, and work with you to find answers that fit your lifestyle and health needs.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health.