Facit fatigue

Short-term fatigue can follow an infection, disrupted sleep, intense activity, emotional strain, dehydration, or not eating enough. Ongoing tiredness may occur with anaemia, coeliac disease, chronic kidney disease, burnout, alcohol-related problems, or chronic fatigue syndrome. COVID-19 can also cause fatigue during illness and recovery. The accompanying pattern matters: breathlessness or paleness may suggest anaemia; thirst and dark urine support dehydration; loud snoring and unrefreshing sleep point toward a sleep problem. Fatigue alone does not identify one diagnosis.

Keep a simple record of sleep, meals, activity, mood, alcohol, medicines, and energy levels. Aim for a regular sleep routine, drink enough to keep urine pale, eat balanced meals, and use gentle movement with rest breaks rather than pushing through exhaustion. Review sedating medicines and alcohol with a clinician instead of changing treatment yourself. If fatigue persists or limits daily tasks, a GP can ask targeted questions and decide whether examination or blood tests are useful.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, sudden weakness, or black or bloody stools. Arrange prompt care for rapidly worsening exhaustion, inability to stay awake, dehydration with very little urine, unexplained fever, or significant weight change. Make a routine appointment when tiredness persists, keeps returning, or prevents work, study, exercise, or self-care.

Which features of my fatigue are most useful diagnostically? Could sleep, nutrition, mood, medicines, alcohol, anaemia, or another condition be contributing? What tests or follow-up would be appropriate?