Why Am I Always So Tired?
Exhausted no matter how much you sleep? There might be more going on than just tiredness.
Tiredness vs Fatigue
Normal tiredness goes away after rest. Fatigue persists even when you sleep enough.
If you're exhausted all the time despite sleeping, something else might be happening.
Chronic exhaustion affects everything - work, relationships, mood, and quality of life.
Physical Causes to Consider
Sleep quality: You might be sleeping but not getting restorative sleep (consider sleep apnoea).
Anaemia: Low iron is a common cause of exhaustion, especially in women.
Thyroid issues: Underactive thyroid causes fatigue, weight gain, and low mood.
Vitamin deficiencies: Low B12, vitamin D, or folate can cause tiredness.
Chronic conditions: Diabetes, heart problems, autoimmune conditions.
Medication side effects: Some medications cause fatigue as a side effect.
Mental Health Connections
Depression: Exhaustion is a core symptom - even sleeping 12 hours doesn't help.
Anxiety: Constant worry is mentally exhausting, even if you don't realise it.
Burnout: Prolonged stress leads to complete emotional and physical exhaustion.
Trauma: Unprocessed trauma keeps your nervous system on high alert, draining energy.
ADHD: The constant effort to focus and regulate is exhausting.
What To Do
See your GP for blood tests to rule out physical causes.
Track your sleep - quality matters as much as quantity.
Consider your mental health - exhaustion is often emotional, not just physical.
Reduce energy drains where possible - say no, set boundaries, rest without guilt.
Be patient with yourself - chronic fatigue takes time to address.