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TirednessPublished by Bupa's health information team, March 2008. This factsheet is for people who have persistent tiredness, or who would like information about it. Tiredness can become a long-term problem which can severely affect your quality of life and day-to-day activities. At any given time, one in 10 people have persistent tiredness. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
About tirednessTiredness is also known as fatigue. It affects most people at some point in their lives. Tiredness usually goes after some relaxation and a good night's sleep. You then feel refreshed and ready to face your usual activities. A few people have a long-term disabling tiredness known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). For information, see Related topics. SymptomsIf you have persistent tiredness you may have:
CausesOften tiredness is due to a combination of causes. Nine in 100 people with tiredness will have a physical disease. Around 75 in 100 people will have an emotional cause. Physical causesBeing tired may mean you avoid physical activity. However, as you become more unfit you will be even more tired when you try to do something. When you are chronically tired this can become a vicious cycle. Being overweight or underweight can cause tiredness. If you are overweight your body has to work harder than normal to do everyday activities. If you are underweight you have less muscle strength, and you may feel tired more quickly. Conditions such as anaemia, an underactive or overactive thyroid and asthma can leave you feeling tired. For information, see Related topics. Sleep problems, such as insomnia and sleep apnoea (abnormal breathing while asleep), can also stop you getting a good night's sleep. This is particularly problematic in those who are overweight. Pregnancy is another common reason for severe tiredness. Emotional causesStress and worry are tiring emotions. Facing a stressful situation can be draining, especially when you can't see a solution to your problems. Feeling that you have no control over a situation may make you frustrated, irritable and tired. Tiredness can also be triggered by stressful situations. This may include a recent bereavement, financial circumstances, moving house, family issues or work problems. Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety can make you feel more tired. They can also prevent you from sleeping properly. LifestyleIf you have an unusual or disturbed sleep pattern, for example if you are a shift worker, nurse, doctor or nursing mother, you may find it difficult to get refreshing sleep. Try not to focus or worry about your disturbed sleep routine as this may further disrupt your sleep. Looking after small children can be particularly exhausting, especially if children don't sleep through the night. Sleeping in the day can prevent you from sleeping at night. Drinking too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks can also make it difficult to get refreshing sleep, especially if you drink them just before you go to bed. DiagnosisGood lifestyle habits should get rid of tiredness. However, if the problem persists you may decide to visit your GP. Anxiety and depression, sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea, and chronic fatigue syndrome are all conditions that can cause tiredness. These conditions will need to be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. TreatmentYou can often begin to overcome your tiredness with some simple measures. Sleep routineTry to improve your sleep routine using the sleep hygiene measures listed here. It helps to:
Food and drinkWhat you eat and drink can have a big impact on how you feel. It can help to:
Physical activityBeing unfit makes you susceptible to tiredness. And being tired often means you don't exercise enough. Try to break out of this cycle.
For information, see Related topics. A balanced lifestyleThink about what you could change to achieve a more balanced, stress-free lifestyle.
For information, see Related topics. Further information
Related topics
Sources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, BSc MB ChB MRCGP DRCOG DFFP, partner/principal general practitioner at Rowcroft Medical Centre; Susan Mills, Senior Sleep Researcher, Clinical Research Centre, University of Surrey, and Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: March 2008.
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