Tired All the Time? When Fatigue Is Worth Talking to Your GP About
We all feel tired from time to time. Busy schedules, work, family and the occasional poor night's sleep can leave us running on empty. But what if you're getting enough sleep and still waking up exhausted? Persistent fatigue isn't a diagnosis itself. It can have many causes and, sometimes, it's your body's way of telling you something needs attention.
It’s not just how long you sleep
More than one in four Australian adults average less than seven hours of sleep a night, according to recent ABS data. But the number of hours you sleep is only part of the story. Sleep quality matters too.
Someone may spend eight hours in bed but still wake exhausted if their sleep is repeatedly disrupted. Sleep apnoea, for example, causes repeated interruptions to breathing, often without the person realising it. Loud snoring, waking unrefreshed, morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness can all be clues.
What else can cause fatigue?
Iron deficiency or anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes and certain vitamin deficiencies can contribute to low energy. Medications, alcohol, diet and physical activity can also play a role.
Mental health matters too. Stress, anxiety and depression can affect sleep, concentration and energy, sometimes presenting as physical tiredness rather than an obvious change in mood.
Importantly, there isn’t one single “fatigue blood test”. Your GP will usually start by asking about your symptoms, sleep, medications, lifestyle and medical history. Blood tests, a sleep study or other investigations may then be appropriate.
Not sleeping well or feeling constantly fatigued?
Talk to your GP Talk to your GPFeeling tired doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. But if fatigue is persistent, worsening or affecting your everyday life, it’s worth discussing with your GP rather than simply putting it down to being busy or getting older.
Sometimes the most useful health check starts with a simple question: “Why am I always so tired?”
Dr Nasir Bhuiyan, General Practitioner & Jonathon Somers, Occupational Therapist & Clinical Coordinator, Emerald Medical Centre
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