Symptom that makes you 'want to stay in bed all day' could be cancer

Symptom that makes you 'want to stay in bed all day' could be cancer Here's what you need to know about this symptom A "very common" cancer symptom could make you "want to stay in bed all day", according to experts. Despite affecting 65 per cent of cancer patients, this symptom could be easily overlooked or misinterpreted as something less serious. Feeling a little tired first thing in the morning is perfectly normal. Even following a decent night's sleep, it's not unusual to feel as though you need a little longer in bed before facing the day. However, persistent, overwhelming tiredness could be a sign of something far more concerning. Cancer Research UK cautions that fatigue that "doesn't usually go away" even with sufficient sleep or rest is a potential indicator of cancer. This kind of exhaustion can be triggered by both the cancer itself and its treatment, leaving sufferers "feeling very tired, exhausted and lacking energy". The charity said: "Cancer-related fatigue can affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally. How long it lasts, how severe it is, and how often you might have it is different from person to person." This can result in a complete lack of energy, meaning "you may just want to stay in bed all day". If you are experiencing cancer-related fatigue, you might also notice: - The need to rest even when you've done little or no activity - Feeling you just cannot be bothered to do much - Sleeping problems such as unable to sleep or disturbed sleep - Finding it hard to get up in the morning - Feeling anxious, sad or depressed - Pain in your muscles – you may find it hard to climb stairs or walk short distances - Feeling breathless after doing small tasks, for example, having a shower or making your bed - Finding it hard to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a friend - Finding it hard to think clearly or make decisions easily - Loss of interest in sex - Loss of interest in doing things you usually enjoy - Negative feelings about yourself and others This specific symptom can make daily life extraordinarily difficult. Cancer Research UK explains: "Fatigue can be very frustrating. You and your relatives might underestimate how much it can affect daily life. "Everyday life can be difficult and you might not have the energy to cook, clean, bathe or go shopping. You might not even feel up to a chat. Things that you used to find easy to do can feel like hard work." The charity warns that this symptom may compel you to give up work entirely. Cancer Research UK adds: "Some people feel like fatigue is a constant reminder of their cancer and this can be hard to accept. "You might worry that because you feel so tired all the time, your cancer could be getting worse. But it is more likely to be a side effect of treatment, or due to the fact that cancer can cause fatigue." When to see a doctor That said, fatigue doesn't automatically point to cancer. It can also be brought on by a range of other health conditions and lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep, poor diet, and not getting enough exercise. Other health conditions widely known to cause fatigue include: - Anaemia - Under or overactive thyroid - Diabetes - Kidney disease - Heart disease - Endometriosis - Long Covid - Mental health issues Certain medications, including antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pain relief medicines, are also linked to fatigue. However, if you're suffering from unexplained exhaustion that's affecting your day-to-day life, it's important to speak to your GP.