Feeling tired all the time has a reason.
Everyone gets tired. It is worth checking when rest does not fix it, when it has gone on for weeks, or when it comes with other changes. Most often the cause lies in sleep, stress or mood. Sometimes it is a treatable problem that a few simple blood tests can find.
In plain words.
Everyday causes come first: short or broken sleep, shift work, stress and worry, low mood, too little exercise, irregular meals, and tea or coffee late in the day. Low mood and anxiety often show up as tiredness before anything else.
Hidden causes a blood test can find: anaemia, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, low vitamin B12 or vitamin D, and liver or kidney problems. Some medicines, such as certain ones for blood pressure, allergies or sleep, can add to it.
Loud snoring with pauses in breathing at night (sleep apnoea) leaves people sleepy all day, even after a long night in bed. It is common with weight gain, and it is treatable.
Tiredness with weight loss, fever, night sweats or lumps needs a doctor soon. Weakness of one side of the body or face that comes on suddenly is different: that may be a stroke, and needs 112.
What drains the tank
Most tiredness comes from how we live: short or broken sleep, stress and worry, low mood, and irregular meals. Together they slowly drain the tank.
Some drains only a blood test finds: anaemia, a slow thyroid, high sugar, or low vitamin B12 or D. Each can be treated once it is found.
Go to hospital now if
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, or slurred speech: call 112. This may be a stroke.
- Weakness with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness at rest: call 112.
- Weakness in both legs that spreads upwards over hours or days, or trouble breathing or swallowing: go to hospital now.
- Very thirsty and passing a lot of urine, with vomiting, fast deep breathing or drowsiness: go to hospital now.
- Black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood, with weakness or dizziness: go to hospital now.
- Thoughts of harming yourself: call 112 or go to hospital now. You can also call Tele-MANAS, the free national helpline, on 14416.
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. Ambulance: 108 (102 in some states).
See a doctor within a week or two if
- Tiredness has lasted more than a few weeks and rest does not help
- You have lost weight without trying, or have fevers or night sweats
- You notice lumps in the neck, armpit or groin
- You feel low or hopeless on most days
- You snore loudly and doze off in the day, above all while driving; do not drive until you have been checked
- You are very thirsty and pass a lot of urine
Tests that help.
Not everyone needs every test. He decides which ones are worth doing for you.
| Test | What it tells |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Looks for anaemia and infection. |
| Thyroid (TSH) | An underactive thyroid is a common, treatable cause. |
| Blood sugar (fasting sugar or HbA1c) | Looks for diabetes. |
| Vitamin B12 and vitamin D | Low levels are common in India, and in vegetarians. |
| Liver and kidney function | Problems in either can show first as tiredness. |
| Ferritin (iron stores) | If the blood count suggests low iron. |
Have it ready.
Tick them off as you gather them. The ticks stay on this phone only.
Online, or in person?
Tonics, multivitamins and energy drinks do not fix the cause of tiredness, and can delay finding it. Find the cause first, then treat that.
A video call can
Needs a visit in person
- Blood tests, at a laboratory or by home collection
- An examination, when there is weight loss, lumps or fever
- A sleep study, if sleep apnoea is suspected
- Any sign in the red box: that is an emergency
Talk it through with Dr. Arya.
Bring your reports and medicines to a video consultation. He goes through them with you, in plain words, and says clearly if you need to be seen in person.
Book a video consultationDr. Prabhat Arya · MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine) · Delhi Medical Council Reg. No. DMC-83759