Who hasn't experienced it: the alarm clock rings, you can hardly open your eyes and press snooze again. The leaden tiredness after lunch despite an espresso and nodding off in front of the TV in the evening. But what happens when tiredness accompanies you throughout the day? When should you go to the doctor and what are the possible reasons for the constant fatigue?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) describes the condition of permanently being tired and is relatively rarely diagnosed. Despite little physical exertion, those affected are often plagued by extreme exhaustion. This goes so far that even a short walk or minimal exertion is not possible. Chronic tiredness, on the other hand, is much more common. You can find out more about the reasons for fatigue and what you can do about it here.

Sleep apnoea refers to pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses lead to short interruptions in sleep, but are not noticed by the person affected. The results of the episodic sleep interruptions is severe daytime sleepiness. To check whether you are affected by sleep apnoea, you can easily screen your breathing during sleep from home - for example, with https://apnoe-screening.ch.

Another reason for chronic fatigue can be anaemia or iron deficiency. Iron produces red blood cells. Without these, the blood cannot supply the organs with enough oxygen. Other possible signs of anaemia are shortness of breath or paleness. Women, by the way, are much more at risk of developing an iron deficiency than men because of menstruation - a ferritin lab test - the parameter used to check for iron deficiency - can provide clarity.

Between November and February, the UV radiation in our regions is no longer sufficient for the body to produce its own vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels can lead to persistent sleepiness. In the first months of spring, the constant fatigue is also known as "spring fatigue". The reason for this is not only insufficient vitamin D in the body but also the imbalance of two hormones: serotonin and melatonin. The body needs about two to four weeks to get used to the new season and to establish a new hormonal balance. If the fatigue lasts longer, a visit to the doctor is advisable. You can also check your vitamin D level with a lab test.

Typical accompanying symptoms of liver and kidney diseases are fatigue and a drop in fitness. Doctors often refer to fatigue as the "pain of the liver". Impending kidney impairment is also sometimes manifested by poor performance and fatigue. Both liver and kidney function can be checked with a lab test. If there is reason to believe that the liver and kidneys may be damaged, a visit to the doctor is urgently recommended.

In the case of an underactive thyroid gland, a deficiency of thyroid hormones occurs in the body. This hormone deficiency slows down all metabolic processes in the body and reduces performance. Tiredness and fatigue are often the result. Affected people often feel low on energy and depressed. An overactive thyroid gland can also indirectly lead to fatigue: When the thyroid gland overdoes it, we sleep poorly. To check if your thyroid is not working as it should, it is best to do a lab test.