Waking up tired in the morning after a good night’s sleep could be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, according to new research.
The water-soluble vitamin, sourced from animal-derived foods or supplements, fights fatigue in addition to helping produce blood cells and supporting the nervous system. Low levels of the vitamin in the body hamper the vital processes.
A survey published in the British Journal of Nursing found that approximately 1,000 patients with B12 deficiency reported a wide range of symptoms - the most common being fatigue.
While 96 per cent of respondents said they experienced "unusual fatigue”, 86 per cent said they "wake up tired".
Fatigue is persistent tiredness despite having rest and with B12 deficiency, it could become more pronounced in the morning - waking up tired despite sleeping through the night.
Some 34 per cent of the respondents reported glossitis - swollen and inflamed tongue - while 30 per cent said they experienced a loss of hair, mouth ulcers or blurred vision.
However, many of the symptoms can be addressed with treatments. If left untreated, some problems can be irreversible. A delay in treatment increases the chance of permanent damage, according to experts.
The NHS says B12 deficiency can often be diagnosed by GPs based on symptoms and blood test results.
It can be addressed with two types of injections: hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin.
"At first, you'll have these injections every other day for two weeks or until your symptoms have started improving," the NHS states.
"After this initial period, your treatment will depend on whether the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency is related to your diet or whether the deficiency is causing any neurological problems, such as problems with thinking, memory and behaviour," says the state-funded health body.
The best sources of B12 are animal-based foods, including fish, meat and liver, clams, milk and dairy products and eggs, according to Nuneaton-based health food chain Holland and Barrett.
Waking up tired after a good night’s sleep? You may be deficient in this necessary vitamin
According to WebMD, if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as tiredness or lightheadedness, heart palpitations, pale skin, a smooth tongue, depression, vision loss, among other health conditions.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)