The mornings are darker, the evenings arrive earlier, and by the time you’ve finished everything you’ve needed to do, sorted dinner and thought about everything tomorrow needs, the sofa feels very inviting.
Perhaps you’re finding it harder to get going in the morning. Perhaps that afternoon dip is becoming a daily struggle. Or you’re sleeping more but still waking up feeling as though you haven’t quite recharged.
It’s easy to put it down to autumn.
The season may play a part. But if your energy has changed noticeably, it’s worth giving that change some attention.
Why autumn can affect how we feel
As the days shorten, we may spend less time outdoors, move less and lose some of the routines that helped us feel good during summer.
Some people also experience a seasonal change in mood. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually becoming more noticeable in autumn and winter. Alongside low mood, it can bring reduced energy, more sleep and less interest in things you usually enjoy.
If that sounds familiar, support is available. You don’t have to wait until spring to ask for help.
Could perimenopause be part of the picture?
For women in midlife, tiredness can arrive alongside changing periods, night sweats, anxiety or difficulty concentrating.
Sleep disruption is a common part of perimenopause. You might wake repeatedly, struggle to fall asleep or find that night sweats interrupt your rest. Over time, that can leave you feeling tired, irritable and less able to manage everyday demands.
If these changes are happening together, mention them at your appointment. They can help us understand whether menopause support should form part of your care.
There’s no need to decide for yourself whether it’s “hormones or something else”. A consultation gives us space to explore the possibilities.
When it’s worth looking beyond the weather
Tiredness has many possible causes. Poor sleep, stress, recent illness and some medicines can all contribute. Iron deficiency anaemia, diabetes and disturbed sleep are among the conditions that may also need consideration.
Clues matter. Have your periods become heavier? Are you unusually thirsty? Are you sleeping next to a loud snorer? These details help guide the assessment.
An underactive thyroid is another possibility, particularly when tiredness comes with feeling unusually cold, constipation, dry skin or unexplained weight gain. These symptoms can develop gradually and are easy to attribute to the time of year or getting older. A blood test can help establish whether your thyroid is working as it should.
A few gentle changes to start with
You don’t need an ambitious autumn overhaul. Start with something manageable:
- Make room for daylight. A short outdoor break can help you keep some movement and time outside in your day.
- Keep sleep times reasonably consistent. Give yourself a chance to wind down, and notice whether late caffeine or alcohol affects your sleep.
- Eat regularly and drink enough. Busy days can make it easy to miss meals and rely on coffee to keep going.
- Choose movement that feels manageable. If activity leaves you significantly worse afterwards, discuss that with your GP rather than pushing through.
- Look at what your week is asking of you. Rest deserves a place in the diary too.
Autumn is also a useful time to review vitamin D. Some people need supplementation throughout the year.
When to book an appointment
Book a GP appointment if tiredness has lasted a few weeks without a clear explanation, is affecting your daily life or comes with other changes, such as unintentional weight loss or low mood.
The starting point is a conversation about your symptoms, sleep, periods, medication and general health. Depending on what we find, examination or targeted blood tests may be appropriate.
At The Dr Jenni Clinic, we can help you explore your concerns and agree sensible next steps, including menopause or sleep support where appropriate. You don’t need to wait until you’re completely exhausted to seek help.
If your energy doesn’t feel like your own, let’s give it some attention.
Find out more or book an appointment at www.drjenni.co.uk.
