Feeling tired? There could be an underlying reason
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Iron-deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction in red blood cells, and around four million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from it. “People with anaemia can have a general lack of energy or tiredness, but also feel weak, faint or dizzy,” says Dr Davina Deniszczyc, GP and medical director at Nuffield Health. “In severe cases, shortness of breath, pale complexion, brittle or dry nails and a sore and dry mouth and gums may develop.”
A simple blood test can be done by your GP to detect anaemia, and iron supplements are typically prescribed, along with a diet of iron-rich foods.
Coeliac disease
Lethargy can also be a warning sign that something is wrong with your gut. It’s estimated around one in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease (many of whom are yet to be diagnosed), a lifelong autoimmune disorder where consuming even the smallest amount of gluten triggers damaging – and potentially serious – reactions in the small intestines. Pain and digestive problems are also common symptoms. If your GP thinks you may be coeliac, a blood test is usually the first step towards a confirmed diagnosis. There’s no cure but the condition can be managed with a strict gluten-free diet.
Dehydration
The solution for feeling more sprightly could be as simple as drinking more water. “Dehydration is no small matter; it can cause fatigue, lower back pain, bags under the eyes and anxiety, to name just a few symptoms,” says Emma Thornton, a nutritionist speaking on behalf of A.vogel. “As rule of thumb, aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day.”
Chronic fatigue syndrome
This rare but debilitating condition, also known as CFS or ME, is believed to affect 0.4 per cent of the population, and causes debilitating fatigue that comes on quickly and can severely impair your ability to function. “Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause severe tiredness that’s not relieved by rest or sleep,” says Dr Deniszczyc. “Other symptoms can include aching joints and muscles, loss of memory or concentration, gastric problems and disturbed sleep.” Since the symptoms are similar to many other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose, but your GP might carry out a number of tests to rule out other conditions, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, before making a diagnosis.
Depression
A knock to your mental health can take a severe toll on your quality of sleep and energy levels, and depression can deplete your brain of serotonin, which helps regulate your internal body clock. “Everyone can feel sad, tired or experience problems sleeping at times in our lives,” says Dr Deniszczyc. “Normally, these incidents of low mood will ease after a few days or weeks, but if your feelings begin to interfere with daily activities, it might be time to talk to your doctor as you could be experiencing depression.”
Poor diet
If your diet’s very poor, or you’re simply not eating enough, lack of nutrition could be making you tired – and too much sugar can have the same impact. “Making some simple dietary changes could make a big difference to energy levels,” says Thornton. “Thinking about the amount of sugary foods and fizzy drinks you are consuming, plus cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine will help.”
Underactive thyroid
Hypothyroidism – or an underactive thyroid – affects one in 70 women and one in 1,000 men, according to the NHS. “The thyroid gland produces hormones, which regulate the body’s metabolism and digestive system, so if the thyroid gland is underactive, these hormones are not being produced as effectively,” says Thornton. “This is why weight gain, as well as lethargy, are extremely common.” Warning signs are tiredness, brain fog, thinning hair and feeling cold. Treatment involves taking hormone replacement tablets to raise your thyroxine levels. n