What should you know about severe fatigue?

Fatigue is more than feeling sleepy: it may reduce concentration, stamina, motivation, or physical strength. Recent infection, poor sleep, stress, low mood, dehydration, or medication effects can contribute. Anaemia, Chronic Kidney Disease, Coeliac Disease, and other health problems may also be considered. Burnout and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have different patterns and need careful assessment. Note whether the fatigue is constant or fluctuates, what makes it worse, and whether pain, fever, weight change, breathlessness, weakness, or mood symptoms are present.

Keep a steady sleep routine, drink regularly, eat balanced meals, and pace demanding tasks with planned rests. Gentle movement may help if it does not worsen symptoms; stop and seek advice if activity causes marked breathlessness, chest discomfort, or faintness. Review new medicines with a pharmacist rather than stopping prescribed treatment yourself. A simple diary of energy, sleep, food, fluids, mood, and symptoms can help a clinician choose an examination or tests.

Get emergency help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, new confusion, sudden one-sided weakness, or thoughts of self-harm. Arrange a prompt appointment if fatigue is worsening, follows an illness without recovery, causes falls, or makes eating, drinking, working, or personal care difficult. Seek earlier advice if it occurs with persistent fever, bleeding, black stools, unexplained weight change, or significant weakness.

What causes fit my symptoms and medical history? Could a medicine, sleep problem, infection, or anaemia be involved? Do I need tests, and how can I pace activity safely?