Advertorial: Why You Could Be Tired

The following is a brief list of some of the many possible causes of fatigue which need to be considered or excluded, usually by a doctor:

• Autoimmune disorders, e.g. lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Nutrient deficiencies, especially iron-deficiency anaemia (common in, but not exclusive to, women of child-bearing age) and vitamin B deficiency
• Nutritional disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and obesity, poor diet and nutrition, food intolerances.
• Nervous disorders: e.g. depression, stress, sleep disturbances (excessive, insufficient, etc.).
• Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.
• Circulatory disorders.
• Respiratory disorders, e.g. asthma
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
• Illness: e.g. HIV, TB, hepatitis, cancer
• Medication side effects
• Lifestyle: Overwork, excessive or inadequate exercise
• Gynaecological: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, post-childbirth, PMS, menopause
• Endocrine: Adrenal exhaustion, thyroid imbalance, diabetes, hypoglycaemia