​Not one of us can honestly say we have never experienced fatigue at some point in our lives. However, long spates of tiredness are rarely down to physical exhaustion.

Many cases of tiredness are due to stress, poor sleeping habits, an unhealthy diet and other lifestyle factors. If you're struggling to stay awake this afternoon, there are simple steps you can take to fight fatigue. Here are our top tips...

Lose weight, gain energy!

There is evidence to suggest that losing weight can help you feel less tired. We often snack to boost our energy levels and combat tiredness. If you're carrying excess weight, reducing body fat may help you beat fatigue as your body will have to work less hard doing everyday tasks.

Go to bed at a reasonable hour

"That old chestnut!" we hear you say. It may well sound like common sense, but getting into a decent sleep routine is one of the main ways you can help yourself. The National Sleep Foundation advises that you go to bed and wake up at the same time - even on the weekends, thus regulating your body clock helping you fall asleep and to remain asleep for the night.

Reduce stress

Are you under a lot of pressure?

One of the most prominent symptoms of chronic stress is constant fatigue. Stress causes adrenaline to start pumping in order to prepare your body for a reaction to the root of your stress. The adrenal glands flood your body with energy so that, when the time comes, you’ll be able to face what is bothering you, as your body is signalling. When nothing happens – as is the case with most modern-day stress – that adrenaline diminishes, leaving you totally worn out.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake

Tiredness is a symptom of dehydration. Tiredness and fatigue are the primary cause of one in five GP appointments in the UK. In more than one in ten cases, dehydration is believed to be the cause of those visits.

Both caffeine and alcohol are what are known as diuretics, or substance is known to increase the amount of urine the body produces. Reducing these and drinking more water will have you feeling lively in no time.

Snack healthily and frequently

If you eat at regular times spread out over the course of the day, you may find it easier to sustain your energy levels. Try to eat three balanced meals a day, with healthy snacks in between when necessary.

For more healthcare insights, take a look at our latest news.