Why is my child always tired

As a parent, few things are more worrying than seeing your child constantly exhausted. You might find yourself repeatedly asking, "Why is my child always tired—even after a full night's sleep?" It’s a question many families face, especially when the usual explanations don’t seem to apply. Understanding why your child is always tired can feel like solving a complex puzzle, but it’s an important step toward getting the right help.

Why is my child always tired?

The question "Why is my child always tired?" often signals that something deeper may be going on—whether it’s related to sleep, diet, mental health, or a condition like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or Long COVID.

Common Causes of Tiredness in Children and Teens

Fatigue can be caused by many overlapping factors. Understanding what’s behind your child’s tiredness is the first step toward helping them feel better.

1. Lack of Quality Sleep

Poor sleep hygiene is one of the most common causes of tiredness. Teenagers especially need 8–10 hours of sleep per night but often don’t get enough due to:

·         Late-night screen time

·         Irregular sleep schedules

·         Academic pressures

·         Anxiety or overstimulation

Even younger children can struggle with sleep if routines are inconsistent or if they suffer from nightmares, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Diet plays a crucial role in energy levels. A lack of key nutrients like iron, B12, or vitamin D can lead to ongoing fatigue. Children with restrictive diets or those who are fussy eaters may not be getting the nutrition they need.

Signs to watch for:

·         Pale skin

·         Poor concentration

·         Frequent colds or infections

3. Emotional and Mental Health Issues

Children may not always verbalise when they’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed—but one of the signs can be physical exhaustion. Emotional fatigue can stem from:

·         School or exam pressure

·         Bullying or social stress

·         Family changes (e.g., divorce, moving)

·         Perfectionism or low self-esteem

4. Too Many Activities (Burnout)

Overscheduling your child with school, sports, music lessons, and social events can lead to physical and emotional burnout. Children and teens need downtime to rest and reset.

5. Infections and Post-Viral Fatigue

Sometimes, fatigue lingers after a viral illness such as glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus) or COVID-19. Some children develop post-viral fatigue syndromes where energy levels remain low for weeks or even months.

Symptoms may include:

·         Brain fog

·         Sore throat or swollen glands

·         Sleep that doesn’t refresh

·         Worsening of symptoms after exertion

6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)

If your child’s tiredness is severe, long-lasting (more than 3 months), and interferes with daily life, it may be CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). This complex condition affects the nervous and immune systems and is often misunderstood.

Common signs include:

·         Persistent fatigue not relieved by rest

·         Worsening of symptoms after activity (known as post-exertional malaise)

·         Sleep disturbances

·         Cognitive difficulties ("brain fog")

7. Long COVID in Children

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Long COVID, especially in children and teenagers. Symptoms often fluctuate and may appear weeks after the initial infection has passed.

Key features include:

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Muscle and joint aches

·         Shortness of breath

·         Sensory sensitivity

When Should I Be Concerned?

It’s normal for children to have tired days - especially during growth spurts or after busy weeks. But persistent, unexplained fatigue that lasts for weeks or months needs closer attention.

See a healthcare professional if:

·         Your child is constantly tired despite sleeping well

·         Fatigue is affecting school attendance or social life

·         They experience dizziness, headaches, or unexplained pain

·         They had a recent viral illness and haven’t bounced back

How You Can Support Your Tired Child

If your child is struggling with fatigue, there are practical steps you can take right away:

 Prioritise Sleep Hygiene

Set regular bed and wake times—even on weekends

Create a calming bedtime routine

Reduce screen time at least an hour before bed

Review Their Diet

Encourage balanced meals with iron-rich foods

Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs

Consult your GP about supplementing with iron, vitamin D, or B12 if needed

Limit Overcommitment

Make time for rest and unstructured play

Cut back on non-essential activities if your child seems overwhelmed

Look After Mental Health

Check in regularly about how they’re feeling emotionally

Help them manage school stress and social pressure

Consider support from a counsellor or mental health professional if needed

Seek Specialist Help for Ongoing Fatigue

If your child’s fatigue is affecting their life and not improving, professional support can make a huge difference. Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or Long COVID often need specialist recovery approaches that support pacing, emotional resilience, and nervous system regulation.

You're Not Alone - and There Is Help Available

If you're worried that your child’s tiredness goes beyond the usual ups and downs, trust your instincts. Many parents feel helpless or dismissed when trying to find answers - but there are professionals and programmes that understand and can help.

The New Pathways Programme is designed specifically to support children and teenagers struggling with chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions, helping them recover energy, confidence, and quality of life.