Beat fatigue

At any given time, one in 10 people are suffering from persistent tiredness, with women more likely to be affected than men. Usually, tiredness is due to a combination of causes. Tiredness can have physical triggers, such as a recent illness, or by stressful situations, for example a recent bereavement. Being tired can lead you to avoid physical activity. However, as you become more unfit, you will be even more tired when you try to do something. Facing a stressful situation can be draining, especially when you cannot see a solution to your problems. You can often begin to overcome your tiredness with some simple measures:

• sleep and wake at the same time every day, eat earlier in the evening and find time to relax before bedtime – relaxing music or a hot bath can help
  

• ensure you get a balanced diet and eat proper meals even if you don't feel like cooking. Cut down gradually on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evenings
  
  
• introduce physical activity into your routine, gradually increasing the duration and intensity. Ten minutes a day is fine to start with; the most important thing is to keep it regular. Walking is the often the easiest exercise to start with, but any physical activity that you enjoy and that fits into your life is fine

Published by Bupa's Health Information Team. For more information visit our health factsheets.