Everyone feels tired occasionally, and it's most often explained by poor sleep, stress, a busy few weeks, or simply not enough downtime. Improving sleep habits, eating regularly, staying active and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine are the first sensible steps for most people.
If tiredness is severe, persistent for several weeks despite good sleep, or comes with other symptoms like unexplained weight change, breathlessness or low mood, it's worth seeing your GP — ongoing fatigue can sometimes point to an underlying cause such as anaemia, an underactive thyroid, or a mental health condition, all of which are treatable once identified.
See also our pages on sleeping problems and energy.
Common questions
What usually explains everyday tiredness?
Poor sleep, stress, a busy few weeks, or simply not enough downtime.
When should ongoing tiredness be checked by a GP?
If it is severe, persistent for several weeks despite good sleep, or comes with other symptoms like unexplained weight change or breathlessness.