What should you know about causes of exhaustion?

Short-term exhaustion often follows inadequate sleep, intense activity, stress, dehydration or an infection such as COVID-19. Burnout can develop when prolonged demands leave you emotionally drained and less able to recover with rest. Alcohol can fragment sleep and contribute to low energy the next day; regular heavy use may cause broader health problems. Anaemia, including iron-deficiency anaemia, can reduce oxygen delivery and cause tiredness, breathlessness or paleness.

Persistent fatigue may also accompany coeliac disease or chronic kidney disease. Chronic fatigue syndrome involves a complex pattern of disabling fatigue and other symptoms that does not improve simply by pushing through. Exhaustion is a symptom, so its meaning depends on timing, sleep, medicines, mood and physical changes.

Keep a steady sleep and waking routine, drink fluids regularly, eat balanced meals and use gentle activity within your current capacity. Record when exhaustion started, what worsens it, sleep quality, mood, bleeding, bowel changes, weight change and recent illness. Avoid using alcohol as a sleep aid. If tiredness persists or limits ordinary activities, book an appointment so a clinician can review your history and decide whether examination or blood tests are useful.

Arrange medical advice for exhaustion that persists, steadily worsens, follows a new medicine, or comes with breathlessness, palpitations, fever, persistent diarrhoea, swelling or unexplained weight change. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness or thoughts of self-harm. Do not drive if exhaustion is making you unsafe or unable to stay alert.

Could sleep, mood, nutrition, bleeding, infection or medication explain my exhaustion? Should I be checked for anaemia, thyroid problems, kidney function or coeliac disease? What activity level is sensible while I recover?