18 June 2023 , 17:55
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As another busy weekend draws to a close, many of us will be looking forward to some well-deserved shut-eye tonight. It's natural to feel tired following a jam-packed period, after all.
But when does tiredness signal something else? If you've been suffering from lethargy of late, you might be wondering if it's a sign of something more serious.
There are several reasons why you might not be feeling well rested - some of which could require medical attention.
Talking to Express.co.uk, Doctor Raja Mohan, from Rainbow Labs, opened up about a few of the medical causes for fatigue - in particular, those that go beyond not getting enough sleep - or the seven to nine hours the NHS recommends for adults each night.
Fatigue could signal a number of health issues including diabetes (stock photo) (Getty Images)Anaemia
"Anaemia is a condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which can cause fatigue and weakness," according to the pro. Although there are a number of potential causes, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency both appear on the list of common culprits.
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Your GP can help by testing your blood and exploring treatment options, once notified of your concerns.
You should share any concerns with your doctor (stock photo) (Getty Images)Sleep apnoea
Dr Mohan explained: "This condition causes you to stop breathing momentarily during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue."
Signs you could have sleep apnoea include:
- Breathing that stops and starts
- Making gasping, snorting or choking noises
- Waking up a lot
- Loud snoring.
You may also experience mood swings and headaches during the day as a result.
Depression
Depression sometimes causes low energy levels (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dr Mohan said: "Depression can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue and low energy levels."
Thyroid problems
"Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and other symptoms," according to the doctor.
Signs you could have a thyroid issue include:
- Being sensitive to cold or heat
- Weight gain or loss
- Depression and mood swings
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Infrequent periods
Chronic fatigue syndrome
"This is a complex disorder characterised by extreme fatigue that isn't relieved by rest," the expert explained.
Diabetes
"High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, as well as other symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination," continued Dr Mohan.
Signs you could have diabetes include:
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- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision
High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue (Getty Images)However, your tiredness might also be the result of a number of lifestyle factors including poor diet and dehydration.
"Eating a diet that is high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can leave you feeling tired and sluggish," explained the expert.
He added that what we do or don't drink is also influential. "Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms."
Last but not least, in news that will come as no surprise to even the sleepiest of readers, a lack of quality sleep could be to blame.
Offering advice for those who feel "tired all the time", the NHS website states: "Before you see a GP, you may want to work out how you became tired in the first place.
"It can be helpful to think about:
- parts of your life, such as work and family, that might be particularly tiring
- any events that may have triggered your tiredness, such as bereavement or a relationship break-up
- how your lifestyle may be making you tired
A GP will look at the following causes of tiredness:
- psychological causes
- physical causes
- lifestyle causes."
Nonetheless, if you need support or you're experiencing unexplained fatigue you should speak to your doctor. As NHS guidance recognises, such experiences "can affect your ability to get on and enjoy your life."
It adds: "Tiredness or exhaustion that goes on for a long time is not normal." As such, "unexplained tiredness is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP."