Feeling tired is a universal experience, especially following the biannual clock changes that disrupt our sleep patterns. In the United Kingdom, daylight saving time shifts the clocks forward by one hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March and back by one hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October. While occasional fatigue is normal, the National Health Service (NHS) emphasises that persistent, unexplained tiredness could be a red flag for an underlying medical condition.
Common Causes of Fatigue
According to NHS guidelines, numerous factors can contribute to feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. These include insufficient sleep or insomnia, an unhealthy lifestyle characterised by poor diet and lack of exercise, and psychological stressors such as depression, bereavement, or caring for a newborn. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may also play a role, alongside illnesses like glandular fever and COVID-19. Certain medical treatments, including chemotherapy, can induce drowsiness as a side effect.
The NHS cautions against self-diagnosis, even if symptoms provide clues. If fatigue persists for an extended period without improvement, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice from a general practitioner (GP) to rule out or identify potential health issues.
Health Conditions Linked to Fatigue
The health service highlights several specific conditions that commonly manifest through tiredness and fatigue. For instance, sleep apnoea may be indicated by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, nighttime awakenings, and loud snoring accompanied by gasping or choking noises.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
If you experience a lack of energy, noticeable heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and pale skin, these could be signs of iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells.
Diabetes
Diabetes may be a concern if fatigue is accompanied by extreme thirst, frequent urination—particularly at night—and unexplained weight loss, as these symptoms can indicate issues with blood sugar regulation.
Overactive Thyroid
An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, might be the culprit if you feel constantly tired, restless, nervous, anxious, irritable, or experience muscle weakness, due to an excess of thyroid hormones.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), could be considered if extreme fatigue lasts for at least three months, severely impairing daily activities, and is paired with cognitive issues like memory and concentration problems, along with flu-like symptoms.
Experiencing these symptoms does not guarantee a diagnosis of these conditions, but discussing them with a GP can facilitate appropriate investigations and necessary tests.
Treatment Options for Fatigue
Treatment for tiredness or fatigue is highly dependent on the underlying cause. The NHS recommends various approaches, including talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, advice on improving sleep hygiene, and guidance on relaxation techniques or lifestyle modifications.
If the cause remains unclear, a GP may refer patients to a specialist for further evaluation. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests to check for anaemia, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism, are often employed to pinpoint the issue.
In the interim, the NHS advises adopting healthier habits to mitigate fatigue. Recommendations include reducing or avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake. Additionally, it is suggested to refrain from exercising within two hours of bedtime and to avoid using smartphones or other screens in the hour before sleep, as these practices can interfere with restful sleep.
