“They’re just a teenager. Teenagers are tired.”

That’s what you’ve been telling yourself for weeks. Maybe months.

But deep down, you know this is different. This isn’t “stayed up too late scrolling TikTok” tired. This is “can barely function” tired.

So what’s actually going on?

🔬 The Power of Testing

Here’s what many parents don’t realize: extreme exhaustion in teens almost always has a medical cause, and most of them are diagnosable with simple blood work.

🩸 What We Test For

1. Mononucleosis (Mono)

The Test: Monospot test (quick, simple blood test)

What It Shows: Whether they have active Epstein-Barr virus infection

Why It Matters: Mono causes weeks of extreme fatigue. Knowing they have it means they can rest properly and avoid complications (like enlarged spleen rupture from sports).

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Test: Basic blood work checking red/white blood cells

What It Shows: Anemia (low iron), infections, blood disorders

Why It Matters: Anemia is incredibly common in teenage girls and causes crushing fatigue. Treatment is simple – iron supplements, but you need to know it’s there first.

3. Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)

The Test: Blood test measuring thyroid hormone levels

What It Shows: Whether thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism)

Why It Matters: Thyroid problems are surprisingly common in teens and cause fatigue, weight changes, mood issues, brain fog. Highly treatable with medication.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies (D, B12, etc.)

The Test: Blood work checking vitamin levels

What It Shows: Whether they’re deficient in key nutrients

Why It Matters: Vitamin D deficiency causes fatigue, depression, weakened immune system. B12 deficiency causes exhaustion and cognitive issues. Easy to fix with supplements.

🏥 What Happens at Your Visit

Here’s what to expect when you bring your teen to Night Watch:

• Walk in—no appointment needed
• Complete medical history (symptoms, duration, other concerns)
• Physical examination (checking for swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, other signs)
• Blood work (depending on symptoms—often CBC, mono test, thyroid panel)
• Results & treatment plan (many tests give results same-day)
• Referrals if needed (to specialists for further care)

⏰ When to Come In

Stop waiting for it to “get better on its own.” Come in if:

• Exhaustion has lasted more than 2 weeks
• It’s interfering with school, activities, or social life
• They’re sleeping 10+ hours and still tired
• Other symptoms are present (sore throat, weight changes, mood changes)
• You’ve tried better sleep hygiene and nothing’s improving

You can’t fix what you can’t diagnose. Let’s find out what’s really going on.