David Saunders
If fatigue has been clinging to you like a wet raincoat this winter, you’re not imagining it. Fatigue has a habit of sneaking in as the days get colder and darker, leaving even the hardiest souls dragging themselves through December like they’re wading through treacle. Blame the low light, the freezing mornings, or the body burning extra fuel just to stay warm — winter doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for your energy levels.
But while the seasonal slump is as familiar as frostbitten windscreen wipers, long-running exhaustion is an entirely different beast. Doctors are now sounding the alarm: persistent tiredness isn’t just frustrating — in some cases, it’s one of the earliest whispers of a deeper illness.
Recent research published in the British Journal of General Practice found that people reporting ongoing fatigue were far more likely to develop serious health conditions than those who weren’t running on empty. In other words, brushing it aside isn’t a great strategy.
One of the clearest voices in the room is TV GP Dr Punam Krishan, working with stairlift and homelift brand Stannah, who has been spelling out the difference between everyday winter sluggishness and the sort of fatigue that shouldn’t be shrugged off.
“It’s normal to feel a bit more tired in winter, but fatigue that lingers for weeks, gets worse, or starts affecting living daily life to the fullest should never be ignored. At worst, chronic illnesses like ME – also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – lung disease or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can all present first as unexplained tiredness. If everyday activities like climbing stairs or walking between rooms start to feel MUCH harder, it’s important to check in with your GP.”
What Long-Term Fatigue Really Looks Like
Long-term fatigue doesn’t behave like the usual tiredness you can sleep off. It hangs around for more than a month, refuses to budge with rest and often brings a few unwelcome friends:
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Persistent headaches
- Shortness of breath even after mild effort
- Brain fog
- Dizziness when standing
- Poor sleep despite feeling exhausted
As Dr Punam puts it: “If you’re feeling tired then you should listen to your body and rest. If you’re experiencing tiredness that’s clearly out of the ordinary for you, it’s worth getting checked.”
When Fatigue Points to Something Deeper
Some symptoms should snap anyone to attention. Dr Punam warns: “If you’ve noticed your tiredness lasting more than a few weeks or you’ve developed new symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, pain or severe breathlessness, it’s important to speak to your GP. Early advice can make all the difference in finding the cause and getting the right support or, at least, offering you peace-of-mind.”
Managing the More Common Winter Fatigue
Most people can tame winter fatigue with a few simple changes at home — nothing glamorous, but all tried-and-true:
- Rest, but don’t ignore red flags.
- Eat for energy. Whole grains, oily fish, leafy greens, nuts — and for those with autoimmune conditions, anti-inflammatory staples like berries and tomatoes.
- Check your vitamins. Dr Punam recommends asking your GP about vitamin D and B12 levels — both often slump in winter.
- Fix your sleep environment. Supportive mattress, blackout blinds, and a proper wind-down routine.
- Step away from the screens. Blue light is a menace when you’re already flagging.
- Keep a fatigue journal if tiredness feels out of character.
- Gentle movement helps. Even stretching or pottering around the house can break the cycle.
- Get outside daily. Twenty minutes of daylight — even the weak winter kind — helps reset your body clock.
And yes, sometimes it really is that simple.
When Fatigue Takes Over — Don’t Tough It Out
Dr Punam sums it up plainly and sensibly: “Spotting the difference between normal winter tiredness and a possible red flag could make all the difference in getting the right support.
“If fatigue persists or starts to affect daily life, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
”For people who experience chronic fatigue, which can be particularly difficult in the winter months, it’s wise to be kind to your mental health and to not push yourself too hard. Balance is key to ensure that you aren’t doing too much – which can make fatigue even worse.
“Be honest with the people around you about the physical and mental symptoms you’re experiencing so you can be supported in the right way.”
