Fatigue

Last full review: March 2025

Next review date: March 2028


Living with a condition like Crohn’s or Colitis can be tiring. But many people with these conditions also live with fatigue.

Fatigue can feel like never-ending tiredness, a lack of energy, or a feeling of exhaustion that does not go away after rest or sleep. It can affect each person differently and some may find it difficult to describe their symptoms.

This information is for anyone affected by Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis who experiences fatigue or wants to learn more about it. Our information looks at:

  • What fatigue is
  • Possible causes of fatigue
  • How to talk to others about how you feel
  • Hints and tips on managing fatigue

In this information, where we refer to ‘Colitis’ we mean Ulcerative Colitis. Some people with Microscopic Colitis also experience fatigue. There is little research on fatigue in Microscopic Colitis, but this resource may still be helpful if you live with this condition.

Throughout this information, we give tips on managing fatigue from people living with Crohn’s or Colitis. We collected these tips using an online survey in December 2024. Everyone is different, and you may find that some of these tips do not work for you or may not be relevant to your situation.

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  • Key facts about fatigue
  • What is fatigue?
  • How many people have fatigue?
  • How fatigue might affect your life
  • Talking to others about fatigue
  • Measuring fatigue
  • The causes of fatigue
  • Managing fatigue: Looking after your health
  • Managing fatigue: Food and drink
  • Managing fatigue: Being active
  • Managing fatigue: Looking after your mental health
  • Managing fatigue: Improving your sleep
  • Managing fatigue: Work and education
  • Managing fatigue: Organising yourself
  • Managing fatigue: Your home
  • Managing fatigue: Socialising and events
  • Managing fatigue: Travelling
  • Managing fatigue: Asking for help
  • Other things that may help with fatigue
  • Will my fatigue ever go away?
  • How to support someone with fatigue
  • Help and support from Crohn's & Colitis UK
  • About this information

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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Providing details of other specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

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If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

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