Winter fatigue: what you should know

Later sunrises, less daylight and a disrupted routine can shift the body clock. Some people sleep longer yet wake unrefreshed, while others become less active or spend less time outdoors. Low mood, reduced interest and changes in appetite can accompany seasonal tiredness. Fatigue is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so a winter pattern does not rule out another cause.

Illness, poor sleep, emotional strain, medicines, alcohol and inadequate food or fluids can all add to low energy. Anaemia, thyroid problems and other health conditions may need consideration when tiredness is new, marked or ongoing.

Keep wake-up and bedtime times as regular as practical, including on days off. Get daylight early in the day, build gentle movement into the routine, and eat regular meals with enough fluids. Notice whether snoring, waking often, low mood, a recent infection or a change in medication coincided with the fatigue.

A short diary of sleep, energy, food, activity and mood can give a clinician clearer information than trying to recall a difficult month.

Arrange a medical review if fatigue persists, disrupts work or daily tasks, or comes with breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting, unintentional weight change, fever or persistent low mood. Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion or thoughts of harming yourself.

Ask whether your sleep pattern, medicines, mood or recent illness could be contributing, and whether examination or blood tests are appropriate. Mention heavy periods, dietary restriction, alcohol use, kidney problems, bowel symptoms and any family history that may help guide the assessment.