Feeling sleepy all the time, or chronic fatigue, often stems from lifestyle factors like poor sleep habits, stress, diet, and lack of exercise, but can also signal underlying medical issues such as sleep apnea, anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, depression, or vitamin deficiencies (like D or B12). Identifying the cause involves looking at sleep quality, diet, mental health, and potential illnesses, with a doctor's advice crucial for persistent tiredness.
Try to:
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
See a GP if: you've been feeling tired for a few weeks and you're not sure why. your tiredness affects your daily life.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, is a long-term condition that can affect different parts of the body. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. The cause of ME/CFS is unknown. ME/CFS can affect anyone, including children.
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.
Red Flags That Fatigue Might Be Something More
You've had persistent low energy for more than two weeks. Your mood, memory, or motivation has changed noticeably. You feel dizzy, weak, or lightheaded regularly. You're noticing unexplained aches, or frequent headaches.
10 hours before bed: No more caffeine. 3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol. 2 hours before bed: No more work. 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs and computers).
Not feeling rested after sleeping could be due to disruptions in your sleep stages, especially if you need to reach or spend more time in the deep sleep phase, which is crucial for feeling refreshed. It could also be related to sleep disorders, stress, or other sleep quality factors.
Hypersomnia. Hypersomnia makes it hard or impossible for you to stay awake during the day. This can happen even if you get a full, healthy amount of sleep at night. Not being able to control when you fall asleep can impact your work and social life.
Evaluation of ME/CFS
Excessive daytime sleepiness is a warning sign that demands clinical attention.” Here are signs that it's time to speak with a primary care professional or sleep doctor about your sleep: Difficulty staying awake during daily activities, like work or commuting.
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.
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.
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. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
Including more food sources of B12 in your diet or taking supplements may help to reduce fatigue caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the health benefits of vitamin B12 is its support of your natural energy levels. B12 can help you raise your energy levels naturally through its role within red blood cell formation.