Fatigue: Why You’re Always Tired and What to Do About It
Quick answer: Fatigue is an ongoing lack of physical or mental energy that can affect concentration, motivation and daily activities. Common contributors include insufficient or poor-quality sleep, stress, some medicines, nutritional deficiencies and underlying health conditions. If fatigue lasts for weeks, worsens or interferes with daily life, speak to a healthcare professional for advice on safe next steps. [2, 3, 4]
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a persistent feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy. It can make normal daily activities feel harder and may affect concentration, mood and motivation. [2]
Fatigue is not exactly the same as drowsiness. Drowsiness means feeling sleepy or likely to fall asleep. Fatigue is a feeling of lack of energy, like you have an overwhelming urge to sleep, but you may not feel refreshed after you rest or sleep. [3]
Fatigue is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so the next step is to understand what may be causing it.
What causes fatigue?
There is no single cause of fatigue. Sleep, stress, lifestyle habits, medicines and health conditions can overlap, so it is useful to look at the full pattern rather than assuming one explanation. [2, 3]
How can sleep and lifestyle affect your energy?
Not getting enough sleep, having interrupted sleep, working shifts or keeping an irregular sleep schedule can leave you tired during the day. For most adults, healthy sleep generally includes at least 7 hours per night, although individual needs vary. [4]
A consistent bedtime and wake time, limiting caffeine later in the day, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime and turning off electronic devices before sleep can support better sleep quality. [2, 4]
Stress, dehydration, poor eating patterns, too much alcohol and very low levels of physical activity can also contribute to ongoing tiredness. [2, 3, 4] By identifying the causes of your tiredness and fatigue, you will be able to find the appropriate solution to overcome it.
Can health conditions cause fatigue?
Fatigue can occur with many medical conditions, including iron-deficiency anaemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, sleep apnoea, depression or anxiety, and some heart, kidney or liver conditions. [2, 4]
Because fatigue is non-specific, other symptoms matter. For example, loud snoring or gasping at night may suggest a sleep problem, while tiredness with paleness, shortness of breath or palpitations may point towards anaemia. [5] These symptoms need proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
When should you seek professional help about fatigue?
Your fatigue lasts for several weeks, keeps getting worse, affects work or daily activities, or does not improve despite adequate rest and basic self-care. By doing so, your healthcare team will help you determine the root cause of your persistent fatigue and tiredness through assessments.
Can medicines cause fatigue?
Certain medicines can make some people feel drowsy, weak or low in energy. [2, 3, 4]
If your fatigue started after a new medicine, a dose change or the addition of an over-the-counter product, speak to your healthcare professional to do a medication review. A medication review is done to check whether a prescription or over-the-counter medicine may be contributing to drowsiness or low energy, and identifying products that may have overlapping sedating effects.
Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. The underlying condition still needs to be treated safely.
Can low nutrient levels make you feel tired?
Iron, vitamin B12 and folate
Iron-deficiency anaemia commonly causes tiredness and lack of energy. [5] Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can also cause weakness and tiredness and may lead to other symptoms such as pins and needles or problems with memory and concentration. [6]
Therefore, knowing the exact deficiency matters to overcome the reason for your fatigue.
Vitamin D
Take vitamin D for example, people with inadequate vitamin D levels may lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness in muscles and mood changes. [7]
So for these individuals, incorporating outdoor activities in their daily lives or vitamin D supplementation is needed to reduce their experience of fatigue.
You can also learn more about vitamin D deficiency in BIG Pharmacy's Health Info section.
How can you fight fatigue day to day?
Lifestyle changes cannot treat every medical cause of fatigue, but they can make a meaningful difference when sleep, stress and daily routines are contributing. Try the following practical steps: [2, 3, 4, 8, 9]
- Get consistent, good-quality sleep. Aim for a regular sleep and wake time. Adults generally need at least 7 hours of sleep. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening, alcohol close to bedtime and screens just before sleep.
- Stay hydrated. Drink fluids regularly through the day, especially in hot weather or when you are active. Dehydration can contribute to tiredness and poor concentration.
- Eat regular, balanced meals. Choose a varied diet with vegetables and fruit, whole grains, protein foods and iron-rich choices such as lean meat, beans or leafy green vegetables. A varied diet helps to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Avoid relying on sugary foods or large amounts of caffeine for quick energy.
- Move your body regularly. Gentle activity such as walking can help build a sustainable routine. Start small if you have been inactive and increase gradually according to your health and fitness.
- Track your energy patterns. Note your sleep, medicines, caffeine, meals, stress and the times of day when you feel most tired. A fatigue diary can help you spot patterns and give your healthcare professional useful information.
- Limit alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt sleep quality and contribute to tiredness the next day.
Speak with a BIG pharmacist
If you are frequently tired, a BIG pharmacist can help review medicines and supplements you are taking, discuss appropriate self-care options and advise when persistent fatigue should be assessed by a doctor.
Avoid using vitamins or supplements simply to mask persistent fatigue without understanding the possible cause first.
Find your nearest BIG Pharmacy → Browse Multivitamins & Minerals →Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for concerns about your health, medicines or supplements.
Frequently asked questions about fatigue
Why am I tired even after sleeping?
Can dehydration make you feel tired?
Yes. Dehydration can contribute to tiredness, reduced concentration and feeling unwell. Regular fluids can help, especially in hot weather or during activity. Persistent fatigue should not be assumed to be dehydration alone. [8]
Should I take vitamins or supplements for fatigue?
Supplements are not universal treatments for fatigue. If you have a medical condition, starting supplements without proper guidance may cause side effects or interact with your current medicines. Speak to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement to ensure that the supplement you plan to take suits you and your current condition. [6, 7, 8, 9]
Can exercise help if I feel tired?
Regular physical activity can support energy and sleep for many people, but it should be built up gradually. [3]
If activity causes severe or prolonged worsening of your symptoms, or if you have a health condition that affects exercise safety, get medical advice before pushing harder.
Can my medicine be making me tired?
Some medicines can cause drowsiness or fatigue. Do not stop a prescribed medicine suddenly. Ask your healthcare professional to review the medicine, dose, timing and alternatives if tiredness is affecting your daily life.
What is the next step if you are always tired?
Fatigue is a signal worth understanding rather than something to mask with extra caffeine or supplements. Start by reviewing your sleep, daily routine, hydration, meals and stress. Check whether your tiredness began after a medicine or supplement change. If fatigue persists, worsens or comes with other symptoms, arrange a medical assessment. [2, 3, 4]
To know more about fatigue and the possible causes, visit your nearest BIG Pharmacy.
View references 9 sources
- BIG Pharmacy. Fatigue: Why You’re Always Tired and What to Do About It. Original approved editorial source supplied for this BIG Pharmacy Shopify conversion.
- National Library of Medicine. Fatigue. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- Cleveland Clinic. Fatigue: Causes and Treatment. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic; 13 April 2023. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 15 May 2024. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- National Health Service. Iron Deficiency Anaemia. London: National Health Service; 26 January 2024. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- National Health Service. Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency Anaemia: Symptoms. London: National Health Service; 20 February 2023. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic; 2 August 2022. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration: Symptoms and Causes. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic; 5 June 2023. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
- Bryan L. Alcohol and Sleep. Sleep Foundation; 23 October 2025. Accessed 11 September 2026. Source
