How do I know if it's burnout or just tiredness?

The clearest test is rest. Normal tiredness eases after sleep and time off; burnout lingers despite them, often with flatness or detachment.

Can poor sleep look like burnout?

Yes, a stretch of bad sleep can mimic early burnout. The difference shows over time — if rest reliably helps, it is more likely ordinary tiredness.

Take a genuinely restful period and observe. If it helps, focus on sleep basics; if depletion returns regardless, look at chronic load.

If fatigue persists despite good rest, see a doctor to rule out physical causes. Matburnout is educational, not medical advice.

Burnout vs Normal Tiredness: how they differ, where they overlap, and what to do first. Plain-English, educational guide by Mat Gil.