Fatigue is not simply a lack of energy—it may be the body's way of telling us that something needs attention.
FATIGUE: WHEN “I’M TIRED” IS MORE THAN JUST TIREDNESS Recognising the warning signs, uncovering the causes and restoring function “I feel tired all the time.” “I have no energy.” “Even small tasks exhaust me.” These are common statements heard in everyday clinical practice. Fatigue is often attributed to stress, inadequate sleep, work pressure or ageing. While these may indeed be responsible, persistent fatigue can sometimes be the first clue to an underlying medical or psychological condition. The challenge is not simply to treat tiredness—but to understand why the patient is tired. Fatigue Is Not the Same as Sleepiness Fatigue is a feeling of reduced energy, exhaustion or decreased ability to perform physical or mental activities . Sleepiness, on the other hand, is primarily a tendency to fall asleep. A patient with fatigue may sleep for seven or eight hours and still wake up feeling exhausted. They may struggle to work, exercise, concentrate or complete routine household activities....