Persistent fatigue: more than just “a little tired”? Everyone feels tired sometimes after a busy day at work, a poor night’s sleep or a stressful period. But what if that fatigue lasts for weeks or even months? When you consistently have little energy, struggle to recover or feel drained without an obvious reason, it can have a major impact on your daily life.
Persistent fatigue is common and can have various causes. Sometimes lifestyle, diet or stress play a role, but deficiencies in vitamins and minerals or changes in certain health markers can also contribute to low energy levels.
In this blog, you will learn more about possible causes of long-term fatigue, practical tips to improve your energy levels and which home tests can provide insight into important blood values.
What is persistent fatigue?
Everyone feels tired from time to time, but with persistent fatigue, the feeling of exhaustion lasts longer. You may notice that you have less energy, become overwhelmed more easily or have difficulty recovering after physical activity.
Common signs include:
- Low energy throughout the day
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced motivation
- Feeling exhausted quickly
- Poor sleep or waking up feeling restless
Fatigue can be both physical and mental. It is therefore important not only to look at sleep, but also at diet, stress, hormones and overall health.
Possible causes of long-term fatigue
Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12 or iron, for example, can contribute to fatigue. These nutrients play an important role in energy production, muscle function and the transport of oxygen in the body.
Stress and mental strain
Prolonged stress or pressure can cause your body to remain constantly “switched on”. As a result, you may feel exhausted even when you get enough sleep.
Thyroid imbalance
The thyroid affects, among other things, your metabolism and energy levels. When it is underactive, this can be accompanied by fatigue and a lack of energy.
Poor sleep quality
It is not only the amount of sleep that matters, but also its quality. Many people get enough hours of sleep but still wake up feeling tired.
What can you do yourself if you are experiencing fatigue?
Maintain a regular routine
A consistent sleep schedule helps your body recover better. Try to go to bed at around the same time every day.
Eat a varied diet
Diet has a major influence on your energy levels. Make sure you get enough vegetables, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Stay active
Light exercise such as walking or cycling can help you feel fitter and support your energy levels.
Take time to relax
Make sure you have enough time to unwind and avoid keeping your body under prolonged stress.
Home tests for fatigue symptoms
With our home tests with laboratory analysis, you can easily have certain blood values analysed from home using a finger prick. This can provide additional insight when you have been experiencing persistent fatigue.
Values that are often checked in cases of persistent fatigue include:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Ferritin
- Thyroid levels
Frequently asked questions about fatigue
1. When should I take fatigue seriously?
If fatigue persists for a long time and affects your daily functioning, it may be advisable to seek further medical evaluation.
2. Which deficiencies can cause low energy?
Vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron are among the nutrients often associated with fatigue.
3. Can stress really cause physical fatigue?
Yes, prolonged stress can have a significant impact on both mental and physical energy.
4. How does a home test work?
You simply collect a small blood sample at home using a finger prick and send it free of charge to the laboratory using our included return envelope for analysis.
5. Are home tests reliable?
The analyses are performed in an ISO-certified laboratory. A home test can help provide more insight into certain values.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from a doctor. If your symptoms persist or you have concerns, always contact your doctor.
