It's normal to feel tired sometimes. But if you're tired all the time and do not know why, it could be a sign of a problem.
Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include:
- Not getting enough sleep
- An unhealthy lifestyle i.e an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise
- Stress & depression
- Dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby
- Hormonal changes such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause
- Some medical treatments and medicines can cause drowsiness
There may be things you can do to help with your tiredness or fatigue.
- Have a healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Try to stick to the same sleep times and aim for 6 to 9 hours of sleep
- Try to relax a couple of hours before your sleep time (read, or listen to music or a podcast)
- Have a relaxing sleeping area (not too bright, noisy or warm)
Things to avoid when tired or fatigued
- Do not smoke
- Do not drink too much alcohol
- Do not have caffeine before you sleep
- Do not use smartphones or screens in the hour before sleep
