Tiredness (fatigue)
Feeling very tired can come from poor sleep or stress, but it can also be caused by anaemia, infection, diabetes, thyroid problems or heart disease.
Get emergency help now if any of these are true
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
- Very pale skin, lips or inner eyelids with a fast heartbeat
- Confusion, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body
- Black, tarry or bloody stools, or vomiting blood
If you are unsure, treat it as an emergency. Find your country's emergency number.
See a health worker or doctor today if
- Tiredness with fever, night sweats or weight loss you cannot explain
- Tiredness with heavy periods, or with bleeding from anywhere
- Tiredness in pregnancy, or with swelling of the legs
- Feeling breathless when doing everyday tasks you managed before
- Thoughts of harming yourself — ask for help today
If it gets worse, or does not get better
- Ask for simple tests: anaemia, malaria, blood sugar and HIV, depending on your risks.
- If tiredness lasts more than 2 weeks despite resting, book a consultation.
- Get help immediately if you develop chest pain, breathlessness or fainting.
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