Overfatigue stems from lifestyle factors (poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, too much/little exercise, alcohol/drugs), mental health issues (depression, anxiety, burnout), and underlying medical conditions (anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, heart disease, infections, autoimmune disorders, sleep apnea). It's a pervasive tiredness not relieved by rest, often linked to disruptions in sleep, nutrition, stress management, or a symptom of other physical or psychological illnesses.
Fatigue red flags signal potentially serious issues beyond normal tiredness, including unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headaches, confusion, or new neurological/joint problems alongside exhaustion. Other signs include fatigue worsening with activity, significant cognitive/mood changes, or lack of energy despite rest, suggesting conditions like infection, autoimmune disease, heart problems, cancer, or mental health issues, warranting prompt medical evaluation.
Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include: 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.
Anxiety disorders. Cancer. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) Chronic infection or inflammation.
Vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including: extreme tiredness. a lack of energy.
Evaluation of ME/CFS
Issues with specific organs could lead to severe fatigue. The thyroid, liver and brain are possible contributors, but heart and lung conditions are the most common cause. If this condition becomes serious, your doctor may recommend cardiac care or cardiopulmonary.
Fatigue becomes worrisome when it lasts over two weeks despite rest, significantly impacts daily activities, comes on suddenly without clear cause, or accompanies "red flag" symptoms like unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or heart issues, signaling a need for prompt medical attention for potential underlying conditions like anemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, or infections.
What is the best vitamin to take for tiredness? Vitamin B12 is the best vitamin supplement for treating tiredness and fatigue. This essential nutrient helps your body produce energy and keeps you feeling less fatigued both physically and mentally.
Fatigue becomes worrisome when it lasts over two weeks despite rest, significantly impacts daily activities, comes on suddenly without clear cause, or accompanies "red flag" symptoms like unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or heart issues, signaling a need for prompt medical attention for potential underlying conditions like anemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, or infections.
What causes fatigue?
Pace, plan and prioritise (the 'three Ps')
Think about the 'three Ps' to help you learn to manage your fatigue. Fatigue can follow a pattern. Learning to understand this can help you make the most of your energy.
Self-help tips to fight tiredness
Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions that affect your heart muscle. If you have cardiomyopathy, your heart can't efficiently pump blood to the rest of your body. As a result, you may experience fatigue, shortness of breath or heart palpitations. Cardiomyopathy gets worse over time.
The four Ps are problem solving, planning, prioritising and pacing. The aim is to think of the four Ps at the beginning of each day or week to help you manage your energy levels.
Complex carbohydrates
When trying to cope with fatigue, a simple rule is to remember The Five P's: Plan, Prioritise, Pace, Position and Permission. Plan and organise your time. Plan your day ahead with periods of rest and periods of activity.
Adrenal fatigue is a term used by some alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms. They believe these symptoms are caused by chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition.
Fatigue is the most common symptom reported by patients with liver disease. Although the underlying pathogenesis of fatigue in liver disease is still poorly defined, it appears to involve changes in central neurotransmission, which result from signalling between the diseased liver and the brain.
Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
1. Less Energy or Trouble Concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired or weak and can make it hard to concentrate.
Some of the tests that you may be advised to take are: – Full blood count (FBC) – A full blood count screens for anaemia and can show the presence of an infection, which can cause tiredness. – Iron – Iron level tests check for ferritin and iron deficiencies, including your total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
Some types of specialists you may see include: A neurologist (brain and nervous system doctor) A rheumatologist (joint, muscle and bone doctor), or. A sleep specialist.
Unfortunately, because fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are related it is possible for CFS to be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, and vice versa. And you can have both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.