Feeling worn out and constantly fatigued often arises from lifestyle choices or the everyday stresses we encounter. However, it can also serve as your body’s warning signal that something more serious might be happening. When tiredness appears alongside other key symptoms, it could point to one of nine significant health issues that necessitate a prompt discussion with your healthcare provider.

Dr. Angela Rai from The London General Practice offers insights into when ongoing fatigue might require medical attention. Speaking with PA, she explained, “While feeling tired is a normal aspect of life, it can also indicate an underlying health problem. Various factors contribute to tiredness, such as inadequate sleep, dehydration, and stress. The symptoms of being ‘tired all the time’ (TATT) can be challenging to manage, but consulting your doctor can help exclude more serious conditions.”

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This issue, known as chronic fatigue syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is primarily characterized by relentless exhaustion. Those affected may also experience insomnia, cognitive difficulties, and memory problems.

Dr. Rai pointed out, “Additional symptoms may include flu-like feelings, fever, headaches, and aching joints or muscles. Diagnosing this condition can be complicated, so seeking expert advice for guidance and management is crucial.”

Anaemia

The expert emphasized that iron deficiency is among the most common causes of persistent fatigue. Women who endure heavy menstrual periods are particularly susceptible to developing anemia due to excessive blood loss.

A straightforward blood test can identify this condition, and iron supplements are typically effective in treatment. In more severe cases, iron infusions might be necessary to aid in recovery.

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency

These essential vitamins are crucial for key bodily functions and keeping your nervous system ticking over properly. When you’re running low on them, you might find yourself absolutely shattered, plus dealing with nasty symptoms like a tender tongue, mouth ulcers and that annoying pins and needles feeling.

The medic stressed: “It’s important for these deficiencies to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.”

Stress

Dr Raj explained: “If there are no obvious physical causes, then it may be a psychological issue such as stress. Stress causes high levels of cortisol and, in turn, this affects sleep quality causing insomnia and unrefreshed sleep.”

Hypothyroidism

This condition kicks in when your thyroid gland isn’t churning out enough thyroid hormone. It sets off a chain reaction that slows down your metabolism, leaving you knackered, piling on the pounds and dealing with various other symptoms.

A blood test can diagnose it, and medication helps replace the hormone that’s gone AWOL.

Diabetes

Tell-tale signs of poorly managed blood sugar levels include feeling completely drained, being constantly parched and needing the loo all the time. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, from kidney problems to heart disease.

Glandular fever

This viral nasty is particularly common amongst teens and young adults. The exhaustion it brings can hang around for weeks or even months after you’ve been diagnosed and given treatment.

Additional signs encompass raised temperature, painful throat and enlarged glands. Medical professionals can confirm the condition through an Epstein-Barr virus blood examination.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Dr Rai explained: “OSA is a breathing problem that occurs while asleep. The throat muscles intermittently relax and the throat narrows, interrupting normal breathing.

“A noticeable sign of OSA is snoring, awakening abruptly gasping or choking, observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep and daytime sleepiness. There are psychologists who can help with sleep disorders and use sleep therapy to help improve sleep levels and quality of sleep.”

Depression and anxiety

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can interfere with rest in numerous ways. Experiencing fatigue or feeling drained are typical indicators of these disorders.