TATT - No, not as in rubbish.
3rd June 2025
TATT is a medical abbreviation for “tired all the time”. What’s interesting about that is the fact that doctors hear this complaint from patients so often, we have an abbreviation for it that’s widely recognized throughout the medical community.
So why are we always tired and is it normal?
There are many theories as to why we feel exhausted all the time and it is definitely multifactorial.
· Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to tiredness.
· Stress: Chronic stress, both work-related and personal, can drain our energy and lead to fatigue.
· Medications: Certain medications can have drowsiness as a side effect.
· Age: As we age, our bodies may become less efficient, leading to increased tiredness.
· Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions like anemia, sleep apnea, or diabetes can also cause fatigue.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tiredness-and-fatigue/
Is it worse now than 50 years ago?
It seems we are more exhausted now than our predecessors were 50 years ago and yet we do much less physical activity during the day so why is this?
· The "always on" culture: Modern life is characterized by constant connectivity and a pressure to be productive, which can make it difficult to rest and recharge.
· Demanding work environments: The emphasis on productivity and the need to prove oneself through work can contribute to a state of perpetual "fight or flight" and exhaustion.
· Mental health challenges: Increased awareness and diagnosis of conditions like depression and anxiety, which can lead to fatigue, might also contribute to the perception of increased tiredness.
· Technological influence: The constant stream of information and notifications from devices can disrupt sleep and contribute to stress, potentially leading to more fatigue.
So, while some factors contributing to fatigue are timeless, the modern world's demands and pressures might amplify the experience of tiredness.
However, tiredness is not always “normal” and as mentioned above there are some medical conditions which can lead to excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness such as thyroid problems, anaemia and sleep apnoea as well as more serious conditions such as heart disease and chronic lung disease.
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20501661/why-you-are-always-tired/
So, if you are feeling excessive tiredness, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. At GP Care Now our expert doctors can help determine the cause of fatigue and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle adjustments.