'I'm a doctor here are six medical reasons you might feel tired all the time'

As another bustling weekend wraps up, many of us will be eagerly anticipating a good night's sleep. It's only natural to feel worn out after a busy couple of days.

But when does tiredness indicate something more serious? If you've been feeling unusually lethargic recently, you might be questioning whether it's a symptom of a more significant health issue. There are numerous reasons why you might not be feeling refreshed - some of which may necessitate medical intervention.

Dr Raja Mohan from Rainbow Labs shed light on several medical causes for fatigue, particularly those that extend beyond simply not getting enough sleep - or the seven to nine hours the NHS advises for adults each night.

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Anaemia

"Anaemia is a condition where your body doesn't have enough red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and weakness," the expert explained.

While there are various potential causes, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency are frequently to blame. Your GP can assist by testing your blood and discussing treatment options once they're aware of your concerns.

Sleep apnoea

Dr Mohan elaborated on sleep apnoea: "This condition causes you to stop breathing momentarily during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue."

Symptoms of sleep apnoea could include:

Breathing that stops and starts Making gasping, snorting or choking noises Waking up a lot Loud snoring Mood swings and headaches during the day.

Depression

Dr Mohan also highlighted depression as a potential cause: "Depression can result in a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue and low energy levels."

Thyroid problems

Fatigue can be triggered by various factors, including lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions. According to the doctor, "Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and other symptoms".

Signs you could have a thyroid issue include:

Being sensitive to cold or heat Weight gain or loss Depression and mood swings Muscle aches and weakness Infrequent periods

Chronic fatigue syndrome

"This is a complex disorder characterised by extreme fatigue that isn't relieved by rest," the expert explained.

Diabetes

"High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, as well as other symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination," continued Dr Mohan. Signs you could have diabetes include:

Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush Blurred vision

Poor diet and dehydration

"Eating a diet that is high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can leave you feeling tired and sluggish," explained the expert. He added that what we do or don't drink is also influential. "Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms."

Lack of quality sleep could also be to blame. The NHS website offers advice for those who feel "tired all the time": "Before you see a GP, you may want to work out how you became tired in the first place."

Offering advice for those who feel "tired all the time", the NHS website states: "Before you see a GP, you may want to work out how you became tired in the first place.

"It can be helpful to think about:

• parts of your life, such as work and family, that might be particularly tiring

• any events that may have triggered your tiredness, such as bereavement or a relationship break-up

• how your lifestyle may be making you tired

A GP will look at the following causes of tiredness:

• psychological causes

• physical causes

• lifestyle causes."

According to NHS guidance, such experiences "can affect your ability to get on and enjoy your life." It states: "Tiredness or exhaustion that goes on for a long time is not normal. Hence, it points out that "unexplained tiredness is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP."