A medical professional has issued a clear warning to anyone suffering from unrelenting exhaustion, explaining that persistent fatigue is often a sign of an underlying health issue.
Beyond Simple Tiredness: When Fatigue Signals a Problem
While occasional tiredness from a poor night's sleep or strenuous activity is normal, fatigue that doesn't improve with rest is a cause for concern. In a recent TikTok video, Dr Sermed Mezher highlighted several medical conditions that could be behind constant weariness.
He was responding to another creator's experience with vitamin D deficiency. "Vitamin D deficiency is a cause of extreme tiredness and can be diagnosed from a simple blood test," Dr Mezher stated. He cautioned, however, that "there are other causes that cannot" be identified so easily.
Alongside fatigue, a lack of vitamin D can cause aches and pains. The NHS advises taking a daily supplement from October to March to maintain adequate levels during the winter months.
Key Medical Conditions Linked to Exhaustion
Dr Mezher explained that tiredness combined with specific symptoms may point to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). "If you snore a lot, are on the larger side, or have a chronically blocked nose, then you could have obstructive sleep apnoea," he said. This condition prevents restorative sleep, leading the body to compensate with daytime exhaustion.
Other signs of OSA include:
- Breathing that stops and starts during sleep.
- Making gasping, snorting, or choking noises at night.
- Frequently waking up and loud snoring.
- Morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
Another potential cause is myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS or chronic fatigue syndrome). "If you notice that you're exhausted, particularly after exerting yourself, and that started following a viral infection, you could have myalgic encephalomyelitis," Dr Mezher noted.
According to the NHS, the four main symptoms of ME/CFS are:
- Extreme, persistent fatigue that hinders daily activities.
- Sleep problems, including unrefreshing sleep.
- Issues with thinking, memory, and concentration ('brain fog').
- Symptoms that worsen after activity, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Lifestyle Factors and The Importance of Medical Advice
The doctor also pointed to lifestyle choices, stating that substances like drugs and alcohol can severely disrupt sleep quality and duration, leading to next-day exhaustion.
He added that blood-related issues, such as thyroid problems or B12 deficiency, are also common culprits. "So you don't have to necessarily accept exhaustion if there's another underlying solution," Dr Mezher emphasised.
The overriding message from the healthcare expert is clear: if you experience extreme tiredness regularly, you should speak to your GP. A medical professional can help identify the root cause, whether it's a vitamin deficiency, a sleep disorder, or another underlying condition.
