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Layla the sloth, who knows a thing or two about pacing

Tiredwise: why am I always tired?

Tired for months, and told it's "just stress"? Tick what fits. At the end you'll get a summary to take to your GP. It isn't a diagnosis: it helps you and your GP ask the right questions.

Nothing you tick is saved or sent anywhere. Takes about 5 minutes.

See a doctor soon (or call 000 in an emergency) if you have:

Weight loss you didn't try for, fevers or drenching night sweats New lumps, or bleeding you can't explain Chest pain, fainting, or a racing heart when you exercise Short of breath at rest New weakness, numbness, a severe headache or vision changes Someone has seen you stop breathing in your sleep, or you nod off while driving Thoughts of harming yourself

1. Your tirednessNot started

How many months?

It started after an infection, like the flu or glandular fever It started after COVID-19 (or an illness that might have been COVID) I can do much less work, study or socialising than before Rest and sleep don't fix it

2. Crashes after activityNot started

After a normal day out, a shower, shopping or a busy work day, I feel much worse The crash often comes the next day or the day after It takes days or longer to get back to my usual Thinking hard (emails, study) can also cause a crash Brain fog: trouble finding words, focusing or remembering

3. Standing upNot started

I feel dizzy, faint or foggy when I stand, and better when I lie down My heart races when I stand up Standing still in a queue or a hot shower makes me feel awful I've fainted or nearly fainted

4. PainNot started

I have pain in many parts of my body, on both sides and above and below the waist The pain has lasted more than 3 months I'm very sensitive to touch or pressure Headaches or tummy cramps are common for me

5. Bendy jointsNot started

I can put my hands flat on the floor without bending my knees (or could once) I can bend my thumb back to touch my forearm (or could once) As a child I could do the splits or contort for fun I've dislocated a shoulder or kneecap more than once I think of myself as double-jointed

6. Flushing and reactionsNot started

I get episodes of flushing, hives or swelling During those episodes I also get tummy cramps, diarrhoea, wheeze or feel faint These episodes come and go, often with a trigger (heat, food, stress)

7. How your brain worksNot started

Since childhood: trouble with focus, organising, or sitting still Often late, or lose track of time Noise, light, crowds or clothing textures wear me out Social time drains me; I need a long time to recover I'm a night owl and always have been A family member has ADHD or autism

8. Sleep, mood and lifestyleNot started

I snore loudly, or someone has noticed I stop breathing I struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep most nights I've felt down or anxious most days for 2 weeks or more I drink alcohol or use cannabis most days, or take sleeping or pain tablets I do shift work or care for someone a lot

Your summary for your GP

Print it or show it on your phone. Booking a longer appointment helps.

Tick some boxes to see your summary.

Things that help many people while you wait

Pace, don't push. If activity causes crashes, do a bit less than you think you can, and rest before you're exhausted. Pushing through often backfires.
Keep a simple diary for 2 weeks: activity, sleep, symptoms and crashes. Your GP will find it very useful.
If standing makes you dizzy: drink plenty of water, stand up slowly, and ask your GP whether extra salt or compression stockings suit you.
Protect your sleep: a regular wake-up time and morning light help the body clock.
Feeling low or anxious is common with long-term tiredness, and treatable. It doesn't mean it's "all in your head".

Need to talk now? Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, any time. In an emergency, call 000.

Health professional? Try the clinician version with criteria checkers, or read the evidence.

Updated 11 November 2026. General information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Always see your GP about ongoing tiredness.

Tiredwise: why am I always tired?

See a doctor soon (or call 000 in an emergency) if you have:

Your summary for your GP

Worth reading

Things that help many people while you wait