What should you know about types of fatigue?

Temporary tiredness often follows poor sleep, a demanding day, travel or exertion and improves with rest. Sleep-related fatigue can continue when sleep is too short, repeatedly interrupted or unrefreshing. Physical fatigue feels like reduced strength or stamina during ordinary activity, while mental fatigue can make concentration, memory and decision-making harder. Emotional strain may cause exhaustion, irritability and difficulty starting tasks.

Fatigue that persists, keeps returning or affects work and daily activities deserves attention. Possible contributors include low iron or other forms of anaemia, dehydration, infection, alcohol use, burnout, kidney problems or coeliac disease. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a separate medical condition with a characteristic pattern of prolonged, disabling fatigue and other symptoms; a clinician must assess the wider picture.

Keep a brief record of sleep, activity, meals, fluids, mood, medicines and when the fatigue appears. Aim for a regular sleep routine, gentle activity within your limits, balanced meals and enough fluids. Avoid using alcohol to unwind or relying heavily on stimulants, because either can disturb sleep and energy. Arrange a medical review if fatigue lasts beyond a short period, worsens, or comes with weight change, breathlessness, pain, fever, low mood or reduced ability to function.

Seek urgent help for fatigue with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness, severe dehydration, or thoughts of self-harm. Contact a clinician promptly if you have black or bloody stools, persistent vomiting, a high fever, or a rapidly worsening condition. Do not drive if exhaustion is making you drowsy or unable to concentrate.

Ask what causes fit your pattern, whether any medicine or sleep problem could contribute, which examinations or blood tests are appropriate, and how to pace activity safely while the cause is being clarified.