Whether you are the CEO of a company or your household (or both!), we all live life to the fullest and try to fit in as much as possible during the year. At Umhlanga General & Aesthetic Practice, one of the most common complaints from patients is tiredness – and this escalates during November and the lead-up to the festive season. A lack of energy and motivation, as well as physical and mental exhaustion, has a huge negative impact on work and relationships.
Your GP is there to determine and treat the cause of this and set your mind at ease. Taking a sleep history, doing a full examination and sending you for urine or blood tests are all part of the work-up for chronic tiredness.
Common causes of chronic tiredness:
• Psychological and psychosocial:
Chronic tiredness can be caused by stress, anxiety, and depression – as well as the medication you are taking for these conditions (you should review all your current medication with every check-up).
• Physical:
Conditions like anaemia, diabetes, glandular fever, cancer, obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, iron deficiency, constipation, heart failure and thyroid disease can all be a possible cause of chronic tiredness.
• Physiological:
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, inadequate sleep and excessive exercise could also be a reason why you are chronically tired.
Prepare for the silly season and avoid fatigue by taking the following steps:
• Don’t stay up too late.
• Don’t have too much caffeine, alcohol or nicotine.
• Don’t eat too much junk food.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Set realistic expectations for your workload and schedule.
• Take time to relax.
• Resolve relationship issues.
Visit your doctor to exclude possible causes of chronic tiredness and stop worrying!
By Dr Desere Ferreira