The National Health Service (NHS) has recently highlighted an important health concern: the distinction between occasional tiredness and chronic fatigue that warrants medical consultation. While it’s perfectly normal to feel worn out from time to time, persistent fatigue might signal a deeper health issue.
Many factors can contribute to feeling exhausted, such as insufficient sleep or insomnia, heightened stress levels, depression, or major life transitions like welcoming a new baby or coping with a loss. These are common and often temporary culprits behind fatigue.
Additionally, illnesses such as Covid-19 and the flu are known to sap energy levels significantly. Hormonal changes, as well as specific medications and treatments, can also play a role in making one feel perpetually tired.
However, if you’re unable to pinpoint a clear reason for your relentless fatigue, it may be time to consider that a medical condition could be at play. For instance, symptoms like waking up during the night, producing gasping or choking sounds, and loud snoring could indicate sleep apnoea, a condition that severely affects sleep quality and overall energy.
Moreover, if you find yourself battling extreme tiredness alongside symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination—especially during the night—and unexpected weight loss, these could be red flags for diabetes, a condition that requires medical attention.
Feeling extremely tired, experiencing excessive thirst, urinating more frequently than usual (especially at night), and weight loss could be signs of diabetes.
Severe fatigue lasting at least three months (making daily activities difficult), cognitive issues, and flu-like symptoms could be indicative of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
However, it’s crucial not to self-diagnose. If you have any concerns, you should consult a GP.
According to NHS guidelines, you should schedule a GP appointment if you’ve been feeling fatigued for a few weeks without knowing why, or if you’re experiencing tiredness along with other symptoms.
If fatigue is affecting your daily life, it’s also advisable to see a doctor. A GP may refer you to a specialist if they’re unable to determine the cause of your tiredness or fatigue.
You might require tests, such as blood tests, to check for conditions like anaemia, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
