Fatigue

Fatigue is more than ordinary tiredness — it is a persistent feeling of exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest and interferes with daily life. Everyone feels tired sometimes; fatigue is when that tiredness becomes the dominant feature of a person's day.

Common causes

• Sleep problems — not enough sleep, broken sleep, untreated snoring or sleep apnoea.
• Anaemia — very common in Indian women and children; a simple CBC catches most cases.
• Thyroid disorders — especially an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
• Diabetes, whether undiagnosed or poorly controlled.
• Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency — widespread in Indian adults, including vegetarians.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Chronic infections — including TB and hepatitis.
• Heart, liver or kidney disease.
• Medication side-effects.
• Chronic stress and overwork.

When to see a Health Expert

• Fatigue that lasts more than 2-3 weeks despite adequate sleep.
• Fatigue with weight loss, fever, night sweats or bleeding.
• Fatigue with breathlessness, chest pain or palpitations.
• Fatigue with persistent low mood or loss of interest.
• Fatigue in someone with a known chronic illness.

Tests worth asking about

A Health Expert will take a full history and examine you first. Common first-line tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC), thyroid function (TSH), blood sugar (fasting or HbA1c), vitamin B12, vitamin D, sometimes kidney and liver function. Most causes of fatigue are treatable once identified.

Self-care that helps

• Protect a regular sleep schedule — 7-8 hours, same bedtime.
• 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days — sounds counter-intuitive, but movement actually lifts energy.
• Balanced meals with iron-rich foods (green leafy vegetables, dals, eggs) and vitamin C to help absorption.
• Cut excess screen time at night, caffeine after 4 pm, and alcohol.
• Address stress — talk to someone; professional help for persistent low mood.