Fatigue is something most of us have experienced, but when tiredness becomes a daily struggle, it can impact every part of our life – from work performance and concentration to mood, motivation and long-term health.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than a third of American adults report feeling tired every day. As a UK GP, I can confirm this is just as common here: fatigue is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice, appearing frequently on GP triage lists across all age groups, backgrounds and professions.
We encourage employers to share this article with employees to help raise awareness of fatigue, its causes, and practical strategies for managing low energy. Better-rested employees are not only healthier, but more productive, focused, and engaged at work.
The World Health Organization defines fatigue as:
“A state of feeling very tired, exhausted, or sleepy, which can be physical, mental, or a combination of both.”
Fatigue is not just “feeling a bit tired” — it can affect thinking, reaction time, emotional resilience, and physical performance.
Fatigue can be caused by many things, including:
Lack of sleep
Stress
Poor nutrition
Underlying medical conditions, such as:
Anaemia
Thyroid problems
Sleep apnoea
Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. However, nearly half of UK adults get less than 7 hours, and a third of young people get fewer than 5 hours – a dangerously low amount.
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to:
Stress can affect sleep quality and be exhausting in its own right. It activates our nervous system and keeps us in a constant state of alertness, not ideal for winding down.
Diet is another important factor. Western diets that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates often lead to “sugar crashes” and low energy levels throughout the day.
Sometimes, fatigue can be a sign of something more serious. Conditions like anaemia, thyroid issues, sleep apnoea, and diabetes are just a few of the potential culprits. If fatigue is severe or ongoing, it’s wise to speak with a healthcare professional – especially if you experience symptoms like breathlessness, breathing pauses at night, or sudden weight changes.
Here are some evidence-based strategies that anyone can try:
Set a consistent sleep and wake time
Avoid caffeine after midday
Limit alcohol consumption
Turn off screens at least an hour before bed
Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark
Incorporate regular exercise, mindfulness, or yoga
Practice time management and avoid overcommitting
Use stress-reducing techniques like journaling or breathing exercises
Focus on a balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of fruits and vegetables
Reduce processed sugar and refined carbs to avoid energy dips
No one sleeps perfectly all the time. Even small changes, such as short breaks, light exercise, or brief mindfulness sessions during the day, can help restore energy and improve focus.
Fatigue affects millions of people in the UK, but it doesn’t have to be something we simply accept. By understanding the root causes of tiredness and making realistic lifestyle adjustments, many people can significantly improve their energy, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
If fatigue persists, seeking medical advice is an important step toward feeling like yourself again.
Teladoc Health offers virtual healthcare services to employers, insurance providers & brokers and banks. Our virtual medical care offering spans Virtual GP, Second Medical Opinion, Virtual Physiotherapy, Virtual Nutrition and more. To get in touch about how our team can assist in offering virtual healthcare services to your team, click here to book a chat.
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