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It's normal to feel tired sometimes. But if you're tired all the time and do not know why, it could be a sign of a problem.
Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include:
But if you cannot explain why you're tired and it's been going on for a while and not getting any better, it may be a sign of a medical condition.
Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing your tiredness or fatigue. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms
Tired during the day because of waking up at night, making gasping, snorting or choking noises at night and loud snoring |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Lack of energy, noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Very tired, feeling very thirsty, peeing more often than usual (particularly at night), weight loss |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Tired all the time, finding it hard to stay still, feeling nervous, anxious and irritable, muscle weakness |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Extreme fatigue for at least 3 months (making it very hard to do daily activities), problems with thinking, memory and concentration, flu-like symptoms |
Possible cause
Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) |
There may be things you can do to help with your tiredness or fatigue.
have a healthy diet and exercise regularly
try to stick to the same sleep times and aim for 6 to 9 hours of sleep
try to relax a couple of hours before your sleep time (read, or listen to music or a podcast)
have a relaxing sleeping area (not too bright, noisy or warm)
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
do not eat, have caffeine or exercise in the couple of hours before sleep
do not use smartphones or screens in the hour before sleep
Treatment for tiredness or fatigue depends on the cause.
Possible treatments include:
A GP may refer you to a specialist if they do not know the cause of your tiredness or fatigue.
You may need tests, such as blood tests to check for anaemia, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
