10 reasons you may be tired all the time

10 reasons you may be tired all the time

In this article we will describe 10 reasons you may be tired all the time. There is often no serious underlying cause.

1. Sleep apnoea syndrome – due to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Tired during the day because of waking up at night, making gasping, snorting or choking noises at night and loud snoring.

2. Anaemia

This means a lack of blood in the body.  Lack of energy, noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin. There are many causes, including iron, B12 and folate deficiency (each of which has underlying causes, which need investigation).

3. Diabetes

Very tired, feeling very thirsty, peeing more often than usual (particularly at night), weight loss.

4. Underactive or overactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)

• Hypothyroidism symptoms may include: tiredness, more sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain., puffy face, hoarse voice, coarse hair and skin, and constipation
• Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include: being hard to stay still, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety and irritability, muscle weakness, and diarrhoea.

5. Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) – including Long COVID

Extreme fatigue for at least 3 months (making it very hard to do daily activities), problems with thinking, memory and concentration, flu-like symptoms. Glandular fever (due to Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV) and now COVID-19 are well known viral causes.

6. Depression and/or anxiety (and other mental illnesses)

Both depression and anxiety can present with physical symptoms including tiredness.

7. Life and life style issues

• Not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia)
• An unhealthy lifestyle, such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise.

8. Pregnancy-related

• Pregnancy, especially first 12 weeks
• Dealing with life challenges, such as looking after a new baby.

9. Coeliac disease

This can present without bowel symptoms.

10. Some medical treatments and medicines

E.g. chemotherapy, or strong drugs to suppress the immune system.

Rarer causes

• Hypoadrenalism (underactive adrenal gland)
• Chronic heart failure (CHF), CKD and chronic liver disease
• Muscular diseases.

Summary

We have described 10 reasons you may be tired all the time. Often there is no serious cause. But it is worth your GP looking for the conditions above. We hope it has been helpful.

Other resources

Why am I tired all the time and have no energy?
Examples of MUPS (medically unexplained physical symptoms

This article was reviewed by Dr Helen Tyrell, GP.

Last Reviewed on 7 March 2024