Many people begin January feeling tired, more than they expected. After a busy December, disrupted sleep routines, richer food, travel, darker days and the pressure of returning to work, it’s normal for energy levels to dip. Most people recover within a week or two once routines settle.
However, persistent or unexplained fatigue is not something to ignore. At Fleet Street Clinic, we see fatigue regularly and for many patients it becomes clear that their tiredness is not simply “post-holiday sluggishness”, but a symptom of an underlying issue that needs attention.
Recognising the difference matters. Fatigue is one of the most common reasons people delay seeking help and one of the symptoms most likely to improve with early assessment.
Understanding what’s normal
Short-term fatigue at the start of the year usually has a clear cause: disrupted sleep, social overstimulation, poor hydration, irregular meals, increased alcohol intake or jet lag. Once life settles, most people notice gradual improvements in energy, concentration and sleep quality.
If your energy steadily improves day by day, this is generally reassuring.
When fatigue becomes a concern
Fatigue becomes medically significant when it persists, is worsening, or begins to affect normal functioning.
People often report:
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Struggling to wake up despite adequate sleep
- Feeling physically weak or drained
- Increased irritability or low mood
- Needing to rest more than usual
- Recurrent minor infections or slower recovery
These are often early signs that something in the body needs attention.
What many patients don’t realise is that fatigue is not a diagnosis, it’s a symptom. And that symptom may point to issues such as thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, diabetes, chronic stress, post-viral changes, sleep disorders or hormone shifts. All of these are manageable, but only when identified.
Why a GP assessment is so important
When a patient comes to us with fatigue, our first step is to understand the full picture. That includes sleep patterns, diet, stress levels, recent infections, travel, menstrual cycles, medication and general health history.
From there, a targeted set of blood tests can reveal the underlying reason for tiredness. Depending on the individual, this can include:
- Iron and ferritin (iron deficiency is extremely common)
- Thyroid function
- Vitamin B12 and folate
- Vitamin D
- HbA1c to assess blood sugar regulation
- Full blood count
- Liver and kidney health markers
- Inflammation markers
Many fatigue related conditions present subtly, especially in the early stages. Blood tests allow us to identify issues before they progress and to create a tailored plan based on your physiology, not guesswork.
Fatigue that is left uninvestigated can gradually affect mood, memory, immunity, productivity and overall wellbeing. For some, fatigue is linked to a treatable deficiency; for others, it’s the first sign of hormonal changes or a developing metabolic issue. In most cases, once we identify the cause, meaningful improvement follows.
What recovery looks like
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For some, correcting a nutritional deficiency restores energy quickly. For others, small adjustments to sleep timing, stress load, hydration or routine can make a significant difference. In certain cases, we may recommend specialist referrals, monitoring or lifestyle guidance tailored to the individual.
What matters most is that you don’t ignore persistent fatigue or assume it is “just January”. Your body is signalling something and it’s worth listening.
Book your GP Health Review at Fleet Street Clinic here: https://booking.fleetstreetclinic.com/medicals_and_health_screenings
