This state is caused by a depletion of energy that impacts the character's cognitive and physical functioning. For information on a similar state that is less severe but can be longer-lasting, see LETHARGY.

A blank stare with eyelids half-closed
Bags or circles under the eyes
A slack expression
Heavy limbs, the shoulders pulled down
Eyes that appear glazed
Leaning against a wall or holding onto something for support
Swaying in place
Sagging in a chair
Speech that trails off
Hands loosely open at the sides
Yawning
Eyes tearing up
Rubbing at the face
An unkempt appearance
Poor communication (repeating things, incoherence, thoughts trailing off, etc.)
Disorganization
Easily dozing off
Sleeping a lot or not sleeping enough
Speaking in a subdued voice
Unshaven cheeks
Muttering or mumbling
Slouching or leaning with the shoulders bowing over the chest
Propping up their chin with a hand, or laying their head on their arms
Rumpled clothing
Clumsiness
Forgetfulness
Tipping the head back and briefly closing the eyes
Rubbing at the face or eyelids
Slowed reaction time
Jolting at sudden sounds (phones ringing, doors slamming, etc.)
Slumped posture
Dragging footsteps
Impatience and emotional volatility; getting upset quickly
Passivity: letting others take the lead
Reduced monitoring and attention (when parenting, overseeing employees, etc.)
Trouble working through multi-step tasks
Difficulty with problem-solving
Reduced dexterity and fine motor skills
Getting sick frequently

Scratchy eyes
Blurred vision
Heaviness in the limbs
Weighted eyelids
A ringing in the ears
Sounds coming as if from far away
Lack of appetite
Slowed breathing and heartbeat
Heavy muscles
Dulled senses
An extreme lack of energy
Being temporarily energized from drinking too much coffee, then crashing
A sour coffee taste in the mouth

Cognitive fuzziness; having a difficult time focusing
Wanting or needing to sit or lie down
Developing an It's good enough mindset
Not being able to pay attention to a task or conversation
Lack of interest in hobbies and activities
Emotional sensitivity
Being easily irritated or frustrated
Impaired judgment
A slowed processing speed when putting together cause and effect
Forgetfulness
Losing a sense of the time
Being sensitive to light and sounds

Depression
Hypersensitive emotions
Crying
Loud snoring
Irritability
An inability to think clearly
Poor performance at school or work
Falling asleep at inappropriate or dangerous times (while driving, etc.)

Increased use of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, loud music, drugs, etc.)
Staying in constant motion to avoid falling asleep in the wrong time or place
Using products to cover physical clues of fatigue (eye drops, cosmetics, etc.)
The character offering excuses for why they're tired
Talking more than normal to try to stay energized by conversation
Wearing sunglasses to hide the signs of exhaustion and help with light sensitivity
Lightly slapping their cheeks to wake themselves up
Avoiding morning appointments and social events

Drag, blink, droop, slouch, drop, blunder, fumble, lose, doze, stall, lean, slacken, drift, scatter, cave, crouch, hunker, stagger, stumble, bumble, lurch, pitch, reel, trip, yawn, fog, drain, sway, struggle, sleep

AGITATION, ANNOYANCE, CONFUSION, DESPAIR, DESPERATION, FLUSTERED, FRUSTRATION, IMPATIENCE, LONGING, OVERWHELMED, RESENTMENT

Staying awake
Fulfilling job requirements that require careful thought, such as prescribing or administering medication
Lying convincingly, especially if being questioned by the authorities
Keeping a secret when the conversation is revolving around it
Doing well on an exam
Participating in an athletic competition
Working efficiently at speed
Being tolerant and patient with others
Having to fulfill duties while a spouse or partner gets to sleep
Having to drive a long distance
Not falling asleep when the character has a concussion
Having to stay alert when there's little stimulation (during a police stakeout, for example)

Being in danger and needing to exhibit stealth and care
Being responsible for the safety of others (in the aftermath of a plane crash, prepping for a flood, leading a retreat in battle, etc.)
Having to navigate a dangerous situation, such as crossing a broken-down suspension bridge or booby-trapped building
Having to escape a situation within a specific time limit
Having to navigate an area with balance and precision (crossing a minefield, avoiding pressure sensors in a secure facility, etc.)
Needing to remain vigilant because someone in the character's group is a killer
The character being scrutinized for their mental and physical conditioning (say, as a military recruit in boot camp)
Finally getting to sleep, then being awakened

Keep an eye out for situations where one amplifier can lead to others. For instance, a character who is exhausted can easily be injured, fall ill, or become distracted by their condition. Compounding amplifiers can cause compounding difficulties, so when you get the chance, pile on the complications.