Always Feeling Tired? Common Fatigue Causes and When to Seek Help

13 Sep 2025

Most of us feel tired from time to time, but what happens when fatigue lingers? If you find yourself waking up unrefreshed, struggling through the day, or needing naps just to cope, it may be more than just a busy lifestyle. Fatigue can be a useful signal from the body, highlighting when something isn’t quite right.

Everyday Reasons You Might Feel Drained

Often, tiredness is linked to simple lifestyle habits. Common culprits include:

• Poor or disrupted sleep
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• A diet low in essential nutrients
• Too little physical activity
• Dehydration

Making small adjustments — like improving your sleep routine, eating balanced meals, and staying active — can often restore energy levels. But when tiredness continues despite these changes, it may be time to dig deeper.

When Tiredness Could Point to a Health Condition

Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Some common examples include:

• Anaemia – Low iron levels can reduce oxygen in the blood, leaving you short of energy.
• Thyroid problems – An underactive thyroid may slow your metabolism and cause exhaustion, weight gain, and low mood.
• Diabetes – Fatigue may be linked to unstable blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin deficiencies – Lack of vitamin D or B12 is often associated with ongoing tiredness.
• Hormonal changes – Menopause, PMS, or low testosterone can all contribute to low energy.

These issues aren’t always obvious, which is why ongoing fatigue should never be ignored.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s sensible to check in with a doctor if your tiredness:

• Lasts more than a few weeks
• Affects your ability to work or carry out daily activities
• Is accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight change, dizziness, or low mood

A GP can help determine whether tests are needed to uncover the cause.

The Role of Health Checks and Blood Tests

Sometimes, a simple blood test can provide clarity. Checking for anaemia, thyroid function, vitamin levels, or blood sugar can highlight imbalances that might be contributing to fatigue.

Regular health screening can also give reassurance that nothing serious is being missed, while guiding lifestyle changes for better long-term energy.

At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we offer same-day Blood Tests and tailored Health Screening for patients who want answers without long NHS waits.

Regaining Your Energy

While feeling tired is common, constant fatigue isn’t something to ignore. The good news is that in many cases, the cause is identifiable and treatable. Whether it’s adjusting lifestyle habits or addressing a medical condition, taking action can help restore your energy and improve your overall wellbeing.

If you’re ready to get to the bottom of persistent fatigue, you can book a Consultation with one of our private GPs at South Kensington Medical & Dental.