Tiredness test: Is there a test for feeling tired? 

Overview

The exhaustion you experience goes beyond typical sleep problems. Australian doctors perform various tests to determine the reason behind your ongoing exhaustion. Feeling drained stands as one of the most frequent medical complaints Australians present to their doctors. People tend to dismiss fatigue until it interferes with their ability to perform daily tasks. You require a medical assessment when you experience persistent tiredness which is not resolved with adequate sleep. There is no single test which provides immediate answers to the problems of tiredness. Your doctor will examine your medical records before performing particular tests to identify potential medical conditions including anaemia, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

Signs That You’re Tired

Tiredness isn't always just about feeling sleepy. It can manifest in various ways, both physically and mentally.

Physical signs:

You might experience:

• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
• Muscle weakness or aches
• Headaches
• Slowed reflexes or responses
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Changes in appetite

Mental signs:

Fatigue can also impact your mind, leading to:

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood swings
• Forgetfulness or difficulty learning new information
• Decreased motivation or lack of enthusiasm
• Difficulty making decisions

If you find yourself relating to several of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you're dealing with more than just a passing wave of tiredness.

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue is a complex issue with numerous potential causes, generally falling into three main categories:

Physical causes:

A wide range of underlying medical conditions can lead to fatigue, including:

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
• Sleep apnoea (disrupted breathing during sleep)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (a complex disorder characterised by extreme fatigue)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia)
• Infections (e.g., mononucleosis, hepatitis)
• Cancer

These conditions can disrupt your body's energy production or utilisation, leaving you feeling drained. It’s like your body’s engine struggling to function optimally due to a faulty part or insufficient fuel.

Psychological causes:

Mental health significantly impacts our energy levels. Conditions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress

These can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. While helpful in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels, disrupting sleep, impacting mood, and ultimately depleting your energy reserves. It’s like carrying a heavy emotional burden that weighs you down.

Dr Vishnu Gopalan (MBBS, FRACGP & Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer) explains: If you're tired all the time, you're probably not imagining it. There are multiple causes of persistent tiredness or fatigue, including poor diet, increased blood loss during menstruation, poor sleep quality, hormonal changes, or simply being overworked. At Hola Health, we take a thorough medical history and consider possible differential diagnoses to help identify the exact cause.

Tests Doctors Suggest for Tiredness

If you visit a GP because of persistent fatigue, they will usually recommend a series of standard blood tests.

The Full Blood Count (FBC)

The Full Blood Count (FBC) examines your complete blood cell composition. This test helps doctors identify conditions that affect energy levels, such as anaemia and infections. It measures your red and white blood cells to detect potential health issues.

Iron Studies / Ferritin

One of the most common causes of fatigue in Australians is iron deficiency, particularly in women. Your doctor will check ferritin levels (an indicator of iron stores), as iron deficiency can cause exhaustion even before anaemia develops.

Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T4)

Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism. When you have hypothyroidism, your metabolism slows down, which may lead to weight gain, cold sensitivity, and persistent fatigue.

Vitamin B12 and Folate

These essential nutrients support energy production and nerve function. People following vegetarian diets or those with absorption issues may experience weakness and brain fog due to low vitamin B12 or folate levels.

Vitamin D Levels

Despite Australia’s abundant sunlight, people who spend most of their time indoors may develop vitamin D deficiency. Medicare rebates for this test are limited to high-risk groups, so a gap payment may apply.

Blood Glucose & HbA1c

These tests help detect diabetes and pre-diabetes. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, cells cannot properly use energy, leading to fatigue and increased thirst.

Kidney & Liver Function Tests

These tests assess kidney and liver health. Reduced organ function can cause toxin buildup in the bloodstream, contributing to fatigue and nausea.

Sleep-related Assessments

Blood tests cannot diagnose sleep disorders. If you experience snoring or gasping during sleep, your doctor may use tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to screen for sleep apnoea.

Mental Health Assessment

Fatigue is a common physical symptom of anxiety and depression. Your doctor may use screening tools such as the K10 questionnaire to assess whether psychological distress is contributing to your exhaustion.

Tests for Tiredness and What They Check

Test	What it checks	Why it matters for fatigue
FBC	Red & white blood cells	Low red cells reduce oxygen delivery (anaemia)
Ferritin	Iron stores	Low iron causes lethargy and brain fog
TSH	Thyroid hormones	Regulates metabolism
UEC / LFT	Kidney & liver health	Organ dysfunction may cause toxin buildup
HbA1c	Blood sugar levels	High sugar levels can cause energy crashes
Epworth Scale	Daytime sleepiness	Screens for sleep apnoea

Lifestyle & Environmental Causes of Tiredness

If your blood tests are normal, fatigue is often related to lifestyle factors.

Dehydration, especially in Australia’s hot climate, forces your body to work harder to circulate blood, which can contribute to fatigue.

Blue light exposure from electronic devices and late-night caffeine intake can disrupt deep REM sleep, leaving you feeling unrefreshed even after eight hours of rest.

Physical inactivity can lead to deconditioning. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular efficiency and helps your body store and use energy more effectively.

GP Assessment Process

1. Your GP will begin with a detailed medical history and symptom review.
2. They will assess your sleep patterns, diet, stress levels, and lifestyle habits.
3. You may receive a pathology request form for blood testing at a collection centre.
4. Some tests require fasting for 8–12 hours (water only) for accurate results.
5. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours.

Hola Health Support

Hola Health supports patients experiencing fatigue through convenient telehealth services.

We provide online Australian-registered GP consultations, allowing patients to access 15-minute remote appointments from home.

Through telehealth, patients can receive:

1. Pathology request forms emailed for local testing,
2. Mental health treatment plans and psychology referrals when stress contributes to fatigue,
3. eScripts for appropriate medications and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tiredness be a sign of something serious?

Persistent fatigue can occasionally signal underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnoea. However, most cases are related to lifestyle factors or nutritional deficiencies.

Do I need to fast for tiredness-related blood tests?

Some blood tests require fasting for 8–12 hours (water only). Your doctor will advise you if fasting is necessary.

Will Medicare cover these tests?

Standard blood tests such as Full Blood Count, thyroid, and liver function tests are typically bulk billed under Medicare.

Vitamin D testing may incur a gap payment (approximately $30–$50) unless you meet high-risk criteria.

How long until results come back?

Routine blood test results are usually returned to your doctor within one to two business days.

Can I get tests through telehealth?

Yes. A Hola Health doctor can assess your symptoms via video consultation and email you a pathology request form if appropriate.

Is fatigue always medical?

Not always. Fatigue may stem from stress, burnout, or mental health concerns. Addressing psychological wellbeing often leads to significant improvements in energy levels.