If you've experienced persistent fatigue without a clear explanation, it might indicate an underlying medical issue.
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Feeling tired can be down to a multitude of factors, from a bad night's sleep to mental or physical health issues.
While these problems can often be sorted quickly, some people suffer from constant fatigue. According to YouGov, 13 per cent of Brits are always knackered, while a quarter say they're worn out 'most of the time'. It's no shocker that being tired can have a negative effect on your wellbeing and other parts of your life.
Fatigue can be split into three categories - psychological, physical, and lifestyle-related. The NHS lists several common causes for this:
- Not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia)
- An unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise)
- Stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby
- Hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause)
- Some illnesses, like glandular fever and COVID-19
- Some medical treatments and medicines, like chemotherapy, which can cause drowsiness for a while
If you've been experiencing prolonged fatigue without a clear explanation, it may indicate an underlying medical issue. Chronic fatigue has been associated with anxiety and depression, leading some individuals to feel exhausted despite achieving the suggested six to nine hours of sleep. Additionally, certain physical health problems like sleep apnea, anemia, and menopause can contribute to persistent tiredness.
Other conditions that can lead to fatigue include diabetes, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Before you start panicking and self-diagnosing (which you should avoid doing), the NHS recommends several daily routine changes that can help fight tiredness and fatigue, reports the Express.
These consist of:
- Have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Try to stick to the same sleep times and aim for six to nine hours of sleep.
- Try to relax a couple of hours before your sleep time (read, or listen to music or a podcast).
- Have a relaxing sleeping area (not too bright, noisy or warm).
It's prudent to avoid habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, consuming large meals, overindulging in caffeine, or participating in intense workouts right before bedtime. Additionally, it's beneficial to reduce the use of smartphones and screens at least an hour prior to going to sleep.
However, how can you distinguish between ordinary fatigue and the need for a doctor's visit? Dr. Leyland, a Clinical Advisor at myGP, explained to The Metro: "Fatigue can lead to slower reflexes, diminished information processing, memory issues, forgetfulness, and decreased coordination."
"Such factors can result in accidents or decreased efficiency, particularly in the workplace. It is advisable to explore lifestyle modifications to enhance sleep quality, but if feelings of fatigue continue, consult your general practitioner. There could be a health concern that necessitates a prescription from your GP."
If you’ve been feeling exhausted for weeks, and that fatigue is disrupting your everyday activities, along with unsettling symptoms like unexpected weight loss or mood swings, or if someone has noticed you making strange noises like choking or gasping in your sleep – it may be a good idea to consult your local doctor, as recommended by the NHS.
"Tiredness may cause slower response times, diminished information processing skills, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and impaired coordination. Such effects can result in accidents or decreased efficiency, particularly in the workplace."
"Whenever feasible, think about making lifestyle adjustments to enhance your sleep quality. However, if you continue to experience symptoms of fatigue, it's important to consult your doctor, as there could be an underlying health condition that needs a prescription."
