Why Your Child Is Suddenly Tired
Sudden Fatigue in Children: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
When your normally energetic child suddenly seems exhausted, it's natural to wonder if something's wrong. While sudden tiredness can sometimes signal a medical issue, it's often related to common, treatable causes like infections, growth spurts, or changes in routine. Most of the time, your child will bounce back with some rest and care.
What's going on?
Children's energy levels can shift dramatically, and sudden fatigue usually has a straightforward explanation. Common culprits include viral infections that are just starting, disrupted sleep patterns, or even emotional stress from changes at school or home.
Sometimes fatigue happens during growth spurts, especially in teenagers, when their bodies are working overtime to develop. Other times, it's the first sign of common childhood illnesses like colds, flu, or stomach bugs before other symptoms appear.
Occasionally, sudden tiredness can point to medical conditions that need attention, like anemia (low iron), thyroid problems, or diabetes. These are less common but worth considering if the fatigue persists or comes with other concerning symptoms.
What you might notice
- Sleeping much more than usual or falling asleep during the day
- Lack of interest in favorite activities or play
- Seeming "wiped out" after normal activities
- Complaints of feeling weak or heavy
- Difficulty concentrating or seeming foggy
- Changes in appetite or mood alongside the tiredness
What helps at home
Start with the basics: ensure your child is getting adequate sleep for their age and maintaining regular bedtimes. Offer plenty of fluids and nutritious foods, focusing on iron-rich options like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens if you suspect they might need more iron.
Keep activity gentle and let them rest when they need to. Sometimes a few extra early bedtimes can work wonders. Watch for other developing symptoms that might explain the fatigue, like a runny nose, fever, or stomach upset.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has severe fatigue along with difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dehydration, or seems unusually pale or unwell.
Contact your doctor or text Arlo if the tiredness lasts more than a few days without explanation, if your child has persistent headaches, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, or if they're too tired to participate in normal daily activities. These could indicate conditions like anemia, diabetes, or thyroid issues that are easily treated once diagnosed.
The takeaway
Most sudden fatigue in children resolves quickly with rest and care. Trust your instincts about when something feels off, but remember that kids' energy levels naturally ebb and flow.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Fatigue in Children](https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/fatigueinchildren)
- [When Your Child is Tired All the Time](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=305&language=english)
- [Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children](https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/irondeficiencyanemia)