Fatigue

Fatigue means feeling very tired all the time, even after resting, and it can sometimes be a sign of a health problem. Consult an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner online for fatigue — available within minutes, 24/7 across Australia.

When to consult a doctor for fatigue ?

If fatigue is persistent or affects daily life

See a doctor if your tiredness lasts longer than two weeks or starts interfering with work, daily tasks, or concentration.

If fatigue is linked to mental or physical health conditions

Consult a GP if you have chronic illness, depression, anxiety, or ongoing stress and fatigue is becoming more frequent or severe.

If fatigue worsens or does not improve with self-care

Seek medical advice if adequate rest, sleep, and lifestyle changes do not help, or if your symptoms continue to get worse over time.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

Causes

Here are some common causes of fatigue:

Lack of sleep, insomnia or sleep apnoea

Physical exertion or inadequate recovery time after overexertion

Emotional and mental stress

Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies

Dehydration

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome

Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications

Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine

Sedentary lifestyle

Conditions like depression and anxiety

Physical conditions such as anaemia, viral infections, fevers, etc.

Symptoms

Fatigue can have physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. It can lead to many issues in daily life, work, or relationships. Most people suffering from fatigue experience at least a few of the symptoms below:

Constant exhaustion: A constant feeling of lack of energy, even after adequate rest.

Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing, or remembering things, often described as “brain fog.”

Irritability: Feelings of frustration and irritability even during the slightest change in the situation

Lack of motivation: No interest in activities or tasks that once brought joy

Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing sleep

Muscle weakness: Reduced strength, making physical tasks feel more challenging.

Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines which are often linked to tension or stress.

Changes in appetite: Either overeating or loss of appetite.

Mood changes: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression

Physical symptoms: Body aches, joint pain, gastrointestinal issues and a general feeling of illness

Prevention tips

Restores energy levels: Prioritising quality sleep and regular rest helps the body recover and reduces ongoing exhaustion.

Supports physical health: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in light to moderate physical activity can improve stamina and reduce fatigue.

Reduces stress: Self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing help lower stress, a common cause of persistent tiredness.

Improves mental well-being: Taking time for self-care can improve focus, mood, and emotional resilience, helping prevent burnout-related fatigue.

Prevents long-term exhaustion: Regular self-care, especially for professionals under daily stress, helps stop fatigue from becoming chronic.

Hola Health provides a convenient way to consult an AHPRA-registered doctor online, 24/7 across Australia.

Clinical note: A telehealth assessment can help evaluate fatigue symptoms, arrange pathology referrals (including full blood count, thyroid function, iron studies, B12, vitamin D, and glucose), and provide lifestyle advice and prescriptions if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service — fatigue with physical signs (pallor, lymphadenopathy, cardiac or respiratory abnormalities) requires in-person physical examination and investigation. Fatigue that is rapidly worsening, accompanied by significant weight loss, or associated with chest or neurological symptoms should be assessed in person promptly. Consultations are secure, encrypted, and Australian-stored in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. If fatigue is accompanied by chest pain, sudden weakness, collapse, or thoughts of self-harm, call 000 or attend an Emergency Department immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.

When to seek emergency care

Call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately if fatigue is accompanied by:

Chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath at rest — may indicate a cardiac emergency
Sudden severe weakness or inability to move limbs — may indicate stroke or serious neurological event
Collapse or loss of consciousness
High fever with extreme weakness or confusion — may indicate sepsis
Severe unexplained weight loss alongside rapidly worsening fatigue — requires urgent in-person investigation
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or call 000 immediately

Do not book a telehealth consultation for these presentations.

A Hola Health telehealth consultation for fatigue is appropriate for persistent tiredness without emergency symptoms, investigation referrals (blood tests, sleep studies), lifestyle and dietary advice, and management of known chronic conditions. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, call 000 — it is always safer to seek immediate help than to delay.