Signs you need to see GP about tiredness as many Brits 'permanently' exhausted

19 September 2023 , 11:53

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This is when you should see a doctor about your exhaustion (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

While it's normal to feel tired ever so often, it isn't normal to be 'permanently' exhausted. According to YouGov, 13% of Brits live in a state of permanent exhaustion, while a quarter of the population claim they're wiped out 'most of the time'. On the contrary, only a mere 3% of respondents say they always feel invigorated.

Feeling tired is something that has become normalised and for the most part, is often overlooked. Unfortunately, there could be larger issues at play and it could have a variety of negative effects on your overall well-being. If you find yourself in a constant state of fatigue, read on to find out more about what you should do and when you should see a doctor.

There are a variety of reasons as to why regularly feel worn out, all of which fall into one of three categories: psychological, physical, or lifestyle. Emotional anguish and stress are two of the most frequent psychological elements that might affect your sleep, which can result in tiredness during the day. A breakup, a death in the family, problems at work, or financial concerns are just a few examples of things that could keep you from having a good night's sleep. Even joyous occasions like getting married or starting a new career could be keeping you up at night.

Chronic fatigue is also linked to anxiety and depression, which can cause some people to feel exhausted even after getting the required eight hours of sleep. Sleep apnea, anaemia, and menopause could all be contributing factors to persistent tiredness. Lifestyle factors such as shift work, eating certain foods before bed and using screens before bed can also negatively impact your sleep. If your tiredness is triggered by these factors and can be easily fixed, there is no need to see a doctor. However, if your exhaustion levels aren't caused by these issues, you should see a healthcare professional.

"Fatigue can result in slower reactions, reduced ability to process information, memory lapses, absent-mindedness and reduced coordination. These can lead to accidents or reduced productivity, for example at work," Dr Leyland, Clinical Advisor at myGP told Metro.co.uk. "Where possible you should consider lifestyle changes to improve sleep but seek advice from your GP if tiredness symptoms persist. There may be an underlying health issue requiring a GP prescription."

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This means that if even after trying to improve your sleep you are still experiencing problems with your memory, cognition, or mood, it's time to call your GP. The same can be said if you're sleeping a lot but are still feeling exhausted when you wake up.

Billie Schwab Dunn