General information only, not medical advice – talk to your doctor about your health and any symptoms.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026 · Published by Australian Men's Performance and Health Association Inc
Feeling flat now and then is part of life. Long days at work, family commitments, training and poor sleep can all leave you running on empty. For many men in their 40s, 50s and 60s, though, tiredness can start to feel like the norm rather than the exception, and it is easy to put it down to getting older.
This article looks at some of the common everyday factors that are linked with low energy, how to notice your own patterns, and the signs that mean it is time to talk to your doctor rather than waiting it out.
Tiredness is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Fatigue can have many possible explanations. Some are everyday and lifestyle related, while others can be linked with medical conditions that need proper assessment. Because the same feeling can come from very different places, it is not possible to work out the cause from a checklist or an online article.
What you can do is notice what is going on in your week and bring that information to a conversation with a GP. A doctor can ask the right questions, examine you and decide whether any tests are appropriate for your situation.
Common everyday factors
Sleep is one of the first things worth reflecting on. Shift work, late screens, young children, snoring or waking often during the night can all affect how rested you feel. Even small, regular reductions in sleep can add up over a week.
Workload and stress also play a part. Busy periods, financial pressure, caring responsibilities and a lack of time to switch off can leave you feeling drained, even when you are getting enough hours in bed.
Food, fluids and alcohol are other everyday factors. Skipped meals, long gaps between eating, not drinking enough water and regular alcohol can all influence how you feel through the day. Movement matters too: both very little activity and a heavy training load without enough rest can contribute to tiredness.
Noticing your own patterns
Before an appointment, it can help to jot down a few notes for a week or two. When do you feel most tired? How are you sleeping? Has anything changed recently at work or at home? Have you noticed other changes, such as in mood, appetite, weight or concentration?
These notes are not for diagnosing yourself. They simply give your doctor a clearer picture and make it easier to remember details during a short consultation. AMPHA’s free online self-check is another way to reflect on everyday routines, although it is not a medical assessment.
When to see a doctor
It is worth booking an appointment with your GP if tiredness has lasted for more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your work, relationships or safety, such as feeling drowsy while driving. You should also see a doctor if fatigue comes with other changes you have noticed, such as unexplained weight change, breathlessness, low mood or changes in sleep.
If you ever have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or thoughts of harming yourself, seek urgent help by calling 000 or going to your nearest emergency department. For mental health support at any time, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What a GP appointment may involve
Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms, sleep, work, lifestyle, medical history and any medicines or supplements you use. They may examine you and, if they think it is appropriate, arrange blood tests or other investigations. What happens next depends on their assessment of your individual situation.
Being open about everything, including alcohol, supplements and products bought online, helps your doctor give you the most appropriate advice. A longer appointment can be useful if you have several things to discuss.
Small steps while you wait
While you arrange an appointment, general habits such as a regular sleep routine, regular meals, water through the day and time to unwind are reasonable things to consider. These are general ideas rather than a treatment plan, and they are not a substitute for seeing a doctor about ongoing tiredness.
Looking after the whole picture
Energy is closely connected with mental wellbeing. Ongoing stress, worry or low mood can leave you feeling exhausted, and tiredness can in turn make it harder to cope with everyday pressures. Many men find it easier to talk about physical tiredness than about how they are feeling emotionally, but both are worth raising with your doctor.
Social connection matters too. Time with mates, family, teammates or community groups can be a valuable part of a balanced week. If you have noticed that you are withdrawing from people or activities you usually enjoy, mention this to your GP as well.
Finally, remember that medicines, supplements and other products can affect how you feel. Some can cause drowsiness or disrupt sleep. Your doctor or pharmacist can review what you use and whether it may be playing a part. Do not stop any medicine your doctor has recommended without talking to them first.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to feel more tired after 40?
Energy levels can change with work, family and lifestyle demands at any age. Ongoing or worsening tiredness is not something you need to accept, and it is worth discussing with your GP.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor about fatigue?
If tiredness lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse or is affecting your daily life or safety, book an appointment with your GP. Seek urgent care for severe or sudden symptoms.
Can an online check tell me why I am tired?
No. Online information, including AMPHA’s free self-check, cannot work out the cause of tiredness. Only a doctor can assess your individual situation.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Brief notes about your sleep, energy patterns, recent changes and any medicines, supplements or other products you use can help your doctor understand your situation.
Related reading
Talk to your doctor
This article is general information only and cannot assess your individual situation. If you have questions about your health or notice changes that concern you, please talk to your doctor. A registered doctor can take your history, examine you and decide what, if anything, is appropriate for you. In an emergency, call 000.
AMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, such as Third Spring Medical. Information on this site is general in nature and is not medical advice.