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Why Am I Always Tired? Possible Causes of Fatigue

  • Writer: Dr Joseph Nightingale
    Dr Joseph Nightingale
  • 5 days ago
  • 6 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

A woman who is tired at her desk

Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms patients complain about. Usually, the answer is simple, you're not getting enough sleep. But being constantly tired, no matter what you do, can indicate an underlying health condition or deficiency.


Poor sleep quality is a big problem. The UK Sleep Survey Dreams 2024 - which surveyed 15,000 people found that almost a quarter of adults aren't getting their 7-9 hours per night. Even when they do, factors like screens, caffeine, and alcohol can still ruin sleep quality.

But, beyond these stats, persistent tiredness (or exhaustion) is a sign of everything from nutrient deficiencies and stress to chronic health problems and drug side effects. 


In this article we’ll run through:



Reasons Why You Might Be Feeling Tired


Find yourself asking, "Why am I always tired?" You're not alone.

 

The most common cause of tiredness is lack of sleep. The modern world makes getting a good night's sleep harder than ever. Persistent blue light from screens, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, or even just eating a big meal can affect our quality of sleep. 


But it's not the only reason. Other causes of lack of energy or tiredness include:


  • Nutritional deficiencies can leave you feeling exhausted. Iron, B-vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12), vitamin C, vitamin D, and magnesium are connected to fatigue and energy.


  • Stress puts our body on permanent high alert. It borrows tomorrow's energy for today. If you're stressed long enough, you'll notice exhaustion and fatigue.


  • Underlying medical conditions are another common cause. Hypothyroidism or anaemia is closely linked to fatigue. But the cause could be multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or cancer.


  • Sleep apnoea is a specific medical condition that affects sleep. It causes you to stop breathing during the night and is a risk factor for other conditions. It’s more common in people who snore or are overweight.


  • A poor diet doesn't give your body the nutrients to repair itself. Eating solely ultra-processed foods impairs your energy levels.


See how you can get more Vitamin D in your diet: 


Vitamin D infographic

Fatigue/Exhaustion Symptoms


Most people know when they're tired. But fatigue is slightly different. It presents with:


  • Persistent fatigue or low energy

  • Difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")

  • Irritability or low mood

  • Muscle weakness or heaviness

  • Headaches or dizziness

  • Yawning or drowsiness

  • Slow reactions or clumsiness

  • Reduced motivation or interest

  • Sleepiness despite rest

  • Pale skin or dark under-eyes


Tiredness vs Fatigue


Tiredness and fatigue are often used to describe any feeling of low energy or lack of sleep. But they're not quite the same. Tiredness occurs when you've had 1-2 poor nights' sleep.


Fatigue is the next level. It is severe and more like exhaustion. Fatigue begins when your body is chronically depleted of energy. It is similar to tiredness but to a greater degree. So, you might be extremely irritable, struggle to focus on work, or feel totally lacking in motivation.


If you're fatigued, it's a clear sign you need to speak to a healthcare professional. They can advise on changes to your sleep routine and check for underlying conditions. 


Can a Blood Test Tell Me Why I'm Tired All the Time?


Yes and no. 


A blood test isn't going to tell you if you're getting your 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Only you know that. What it can tell you is if there is an underlying medical cause behind your lack of energy.


The best tiredness blood tests look for a few key markers that most commonly cause tiredness. Here are three common causes of fatigue we check for:


  • Iron: Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Low iron (anaemia) reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leaving you weak, dizzy, and easily tired.


  • Vitamin D: This vitamin supports muscle function, immunity, and mood. Deficiency can cause low energy, muscle aches, and even mild depression.


  • Thyroid Function: Your thyroid controls metabolism and energy use. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows your metabolism, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.


Health Klinix offers a comprehensive fatigue blood test for people who find themselves constantly tired. Think of it like a general health screening with a special focus on fatigue. It checks everything from B12, folate, and iron to thyroid, blood sugar, and liver function. 


If there's a cause, it can help spot it.


Can I Get a Fatigue Blood Test Near Me?


Yes, you don't have to wait for an appointment.


Health Klinix can organise a regular, rapid test where you get checked and speak to a professional. We host an in-person clinic in Coventry, ideal for anyone in Warwickshire, the West Midlands, and further afield.


We won't rest until you can. Our expert team will guide you through the process, providing the testing and insights to fix your sleep issues. 



How to Stop Being Tired All The Time


If you're asking, "Why am I always tired?" you're probably wondering how to fix the problem. If you've got an underlying condition, like hypothyroidism or anaemia, you may never get better without medical help.


However, there are a lot of sensible things you can do to feel more awake and get a better night's sleep. Try these tips:


  • Diet. Eating ultra-processed foods will leave you feeling tired. Focus on eating whole, nutrient-rich foods that support sleep and restoration. It's also when you eat. Avoid eating large, spicy meals 2 hours before bed.


  • Exercise. Exercise is the simplest way to sleep better. Frequent, moderate-intensity exercises like jogging, yoga, or resistance training improve sleep quality, depth, and stress. 


  • Sleep hygiene. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Limit screen time an hour before bed, avoid caffeine after midday, and reserve your bed for sleep, not scrolling or work.


  • Vitamin and mineral supplements. If your blood test says you're deficient in a particular nutrient, your doctor may prescribe a supplement. However, it's sensible for most people to take a vitamin D supplement (especially in winter). You’re particularly vulnerable if you’re elderly, your skin is fully covered outdoors or dark skinned.


  • Stress management. Practising mindfulness, breathwork, and taking a break from work can help you destress. Try to slow down and take a moment for yourself. 


Treatments for Tiredness and Fatigue


Being constantly tired and fatigued is exhausting in itself. Every day feels like an uphill battle. If your blood test comes back positive, your doctor may recommend:


  • Vitamin or mineral supplements, e.g., iron, vitamin D, or B12

  • Thyroid medication, if an under-active thyroid is slowing your metabolism

  • Antidepressants or therapy if your fatigue is linked to depression or anxiety

  • A CPAP machine if you're dealing with sleep apnoea


Patients often request sleep tablets. However, these medications only offer temporary relief and aren't suitable for long-term treatment. Most successful treatments focus on addressing the root cause, not just the tiredness itself. 


Talk to your doctor about lifestyle adjustments if your tests come back negative or positive. These can work alongside other treatments to improve your sleep and overall quality of life. 


Tiredness and Fatigue FAQs


Can a blood test make me feel tired?


A blood test doesn't usually make you tired. However, you might feel briefly lightheaded or weak if you haven't eaten beforehand, you're anxious about needles or blood, you're dehydrated, or a larger volume of blood was taken. 


I'm tired all the time, but my blood test results were normal.


If the cause isn't medical, the answer is likely that you're not getting enough sleep. You should also consider a mental health cause. Depression and anxiety can either slow down your mind or exhaust your resources. You might also have sleep apnoea, which can affect your quality of sleep.


Why am I constantly tired, but I get enough sleep? 


If you're consistently getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night but still feel constantly tired, the cause is often something other than sleep itself. Consider getting a fatigue blood test to look for an underlying cause, reflect on your mental health, or ask for a sleep study to check for sleep apnoea. 


What is chronic fatigue? 


Chronic fatigue refers to long-term, severe tiredness that doesn't improve with rest and isn't fully explained by another medical condition.


Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), it refers to extreme, persistent fatigue lasting 6 months or more. 


References



Written by:


Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc


Approved by:


Consultant Physician in General Internal Medicine

MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP


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