What we mean by tiredness and fatigue
Most people feel tired from time to time. Persistent tiredness or fatigue can involve low energy, sleepiness or reduced stamina that lasts or begins to affect everyday life. These experiences can overlap, and this page cannot identify their cause.
This page is educational only. It is not a diagnosis, and it does not replace advice from a GP or another qualified clinician.
Common everyday causes
- Poor or irregular sleep, including shift work and late screen use
- Ongoing stress, low mood or anxiety
- Doing too little or too much physical activity
- Irregular eating, dehydration, alcohol or high caffeine intake
- Recovering from a recent illness or infection
Medical causes a GP may want to rule out
A GP may consider causes such as iron-deficiency anaemia, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, sleep apnoea or ME/chronic fatigue syndrome. Depending on your symptoms, you may need tests, such as blood tests, to help look for a cause. Do not self-diagnose, start treatment or stop prescribed medication without professional advice.
Practical things that often help
- Keep regular sleeping and waking times, and aim for around 6 to 9 hours of sleep
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly where appropriate
- Relax before going to bed and keep the sleeping environment comfortable
- Avoid screens during the hour before bed
- Avoid caffeine, eating and exercise during the couple of hours before bed
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
When to see a GP
Speak to a GP if you have felt tired for a few weeks and do not know why, if tiredness is affecting your daily life, or if it occurs with other symptoms such as weight loss or mood changes. Also speak to a GP if someone has noticed you gasping, snorting or choking while asleep.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe difficulty breathing; your chest feels tight or heavy; pain spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw; your skin, lips or tongue become pale, blue or grey; you become suddenly confused; or chest pain occurs with sweating, sickness, light-headedness or shortness of breath. Do not drive yourself to A&E.
For urgent concerns that do not appear life-threatening, use NHS 111.
Sources
This content is informational, not medical advice. Always check with a qualified clinician before changing routines that affect your health. Some links may become affiliate links in future.