Feeling tired often isn't uncommon and something millions of people experience. But when you are sleepy and fatigued almost every day for the majority of the day, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
If your tiredness is affecting your quality of life then it would be wise to book an appointment with your doctor. They can help rule out any medical conditions or what could be triggering your fatigue.
If you are feeling totally wiped out despite getting plenty of sleep, you could be suffering with an illness unknowingly or perhaps a vitamin deficiency. Lifestyle factors, a poor diet and certain health issues - or a combination of these - can all impact your energy levels.
Lifestyle factors that can impact your energy levels
- Not exercising enough - or pushing yourself too much
- You're on your phone too much
- Your diet isn't energy-rich
- You're dehydrated
- You're staying up too late
- You're having coffee too close to your bed time
Exerting yourself excessively when it comes to exercise can result in exhaustion, especially if you fail to give yourself a day or two for rest. Meanwhile, insufficient exercise can also leave you feeling fatigued, as regular workouts are known to enhance your energy levels, as stated by the National Institute on Aging.
Excessive exposure to bright light in the evening, such as being on your phone, can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and affect the quality of your sleep. This is because it can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. The screens we look at also emit a large quantity of blue light, which can strain the eyes.
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Eating too much processed foods and sugar can give you a quick burst of energy and then a long crash down, leaving you feeling tired. Not getting enough healthy nutrients from the food you eat can also mean you're not giving your body enough energy each day.
Something as simple as drinking more water can make a difference. Being dehydrated can cause symptoms like tiredness, lowered alertness and poor concentration. When you start feeling sluggish, reach for a glass of water instead of a sugary snack.
Staying awake until late hours can leave you feeling exhausted throughout the day. Making an effort to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can actually improve the quality of your sleep.
It can be more difficult for you to fall asleep if you consume caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda, too close to bedtime. If you're a fan of coffee and other high-caffeine drinks, make sure to have your last one at least four to six hours before you plan to go to sleep.
Health factors that can impact your energy levels
- You may be anaemic
- You may have a thyroid problem
- You could be suffering from anxiety or depression
- Your menstrual cycle could be to blame
- You could have sleep apnoea
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The most common cause of anaemia is an iron deficiency. Anaemia can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin and fatigue as it means you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen around your body.
Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid condition, can decrease your body functions and lead to fatigue. While hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid condition, can accelerate everything and result in insomnia and restlessness, making it difficult to unwind and leaving you exhausted.
Fatigue is a common symptom that is strongly associated with depression. Individuals with depression are at a higher risk of experiencing fatigue - they are twice as likely to encounter this symptom compared to those without the mental health condition. Prolonged fatigue can also be a consequence of clinical anxiety.
According to women's health expert Jennifer Wider M.D., feeling exhausted regularly is a frequent indication of PMS. Wider explains that various factors contribute to this fatigue, creating a perfect combination of tiredness. These factors include hormonal changes, bloating, and disruptions in sleep.
If you find yourself waking up feeling tired even after a full eight hours of sleep, it's possible that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This condition can lead to frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night, putting extra stress on your heart. Seeking medical advice if you experience these symptoms is crucial not just for boosting your energy levels, but also for enhancing your overall well-being.
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Certain medications and dietary supplements have the potential to induce fatigue. Instances of such substances include antihistamines, pain relievers, specific antidepressants, beta blockers, and medications used to alleviate anxiety.
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