NHS GP Dr Amir Khan has identified several of the most common causes of tiredness and fatigue and shared practical advice to help overcome them and boost energy
Tiredness can quietly take over your day, turning simple tasks into a struggle and making everything feel that bit harder than it should. It can affect how you think, how you feel and how you function – from slower concentration at work to irritability with family and friends.
When you’re running on empty, motivation dips, decision-making becomes tougher and even small problems can feel overwhelming. Over time, persistent fatigue can also disrupt routines like exercise, cooking decent meals and sleeping well, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. If these problems sound all too familiar, listen up. NHS GP and television doctor Amir Khan has pinpointed the most frequent causes of tiredness – and also outlined what steps you can take to tackle the problem.
Dr Khan, who is best-known for his appearances on ITV show Lorraine, said: "As GPs it's one of the things we get asked about most and there are so many possibilities.
" He then outlined several potential causes of tiredness, which are: 1. Lifestyle choices If you are dealing with consistent fatigue, it is worth looking at your lifestyle to see if there's anything you can change. While excessive alcohol or stress are aspects that can be alleviated, it can be trickier if you have responsibilities you can't get away from. Dr Khan said: "Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, stress and burnout can all cause tiredness.
Furthermore, being a busy parent or having caring responsibilities can also contribute to fatigue.
" 2. Sleep quality Even if you do manage to doze off, you might not get quality sleep if your mind is whirring. Dr Khan said: "I tell my patients that anything that might be impacting getting a good night's sleep, including work patterns and work stress, can, of course, contribute.
" 3. Medication The GP also pointed out that he regularly reviews patients' medication for fatigue, as this can reveal any "culprits" responsible for their tiredness.
"Things like sedatives, antipsychotics, opioids, anti-convulsants, antihistamines and beta blockers are common examples of drugs which can cause you to be tired all the time," he said. Nevertheless, he stressed that nobody should modify or stop taking any medication without first seeking advice from a doctor. 4. Existing conditions "There are a number of medical conditions that simply have tiredness as a symptom," Dr Khan continued to explain.
"Things like infections, heart disease and heart failure, POTS , chronic lung conditions, mental health disorders, lupus, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and of course, cancer. " 5. Nutrition Dr Khan also noted that nutritional deficiency can lead to excessive tiredness - specifically highlighting iron deficiency, anaemia, insufficient levels of Vitamins D and B12 and folic acid as amongst the most frequent issues he's observed.
In addition, he noted that eating disorders leading to both underweight and overweight conditions can also play a role. The doctor concluded: "You must get any underlying causes of tiredness treated and any unexplained tiredness or tiredness associated with worrying symptoms like weight loss should always be investigated.
"But things we can all do to improve our energy levels include getting a good night's sleep - aim for seven to eight hours, avoid or reduce alcohol, eat a balanced diet, manage stress by making time for the things you enjoy, exercise or move regularly and maintain a healthy weight. " What does the NHS say about sleep and tiredness?
The NHS recommends that adults should aim for an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while children need between nine and 13 hours depending on their age. Should you have been feeling fatigued for several weeks without a clear reason, if your tiredness is affecting your day-to-day life, or if you are experiencing additional symptoms such as weight loss or changes in mood, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Furthermore, if someone informs you that you make gasping, snorting or choking noises during sleep, it is worth consulting a doctor.
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