Why do I feel tired all the time? How can I change this?
There are many causes of chronic fatigue. Most illnesses list fatigue as a major symptom, so without proper treatment by a physician, it may be impossible to diagnose an illness, if illness is in fact the cause.
Most fatigue is not related to illness, however. How much you sleep ,diet, weight , body temperature,. and general physical and mental health, are all factors when answering this common question, “Why do I feel tired all the time?”
Diet
As far as diet goes, eating healthfully is imperative to maintaining physical energy. Eating heavy meals, or eating to excess, is a common cause of fatigue. Also, reaching for that daily latte, while providing a quick energy boost, can actually cause tiredness, as blood sugar levels fluctuate. As the day wears on, one experiences the mid-afternoon “crash”.
Weight
Connected with diet, obesity correlates with fatigue, meaning it is not only what is eaten, but how much, and how often. Carrying around excess weight is undoubtedly a factor in feeling tired.
Temperature
Staying warm – but not overheating – can help mitigate fatigue. Cold can cause sleepiness, especially if you are sleep-deprived or already prone to sleepiness. Excessive heat can also cause fatigue, so try to regulate the temperature as best you can.
Sleep
Well, it’s obvious. Most adults require about eight hours per night of good solid sleep. Not sleeping enough will definitely affect energy, motivation, and mental alertness throughout the day. The other side of this coin is too much sleep, in which sedentary periods or sleeping in very late, as well as frequent napping, can cause one to feel groggy and sluggish. Sleep problems can play a role too, so if you are a snorer, wake up frequently throughout the night, or suspect sleep apnea, consult your physician.
Exercise
It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But exercising actually raises energy levels. Physical exercise releases endorphins and feel-good chemicals throughout the body, yielding a sense of health, well-being, and –you got it- increased energy.
Mental Health
This is a big one as far as complaints of fatigue go. Depression causes one to lack motivation and energy. See a counselor or physician to help address depression and its side effects, like fatigue. Treating depression can do wonders for the energy level. Word to the wise: If part of your treatment plan includes taking a daily antidepressant, do not give up on it too quickly – at first they can make you feel worse or not seem to work at all. The fact is, they can take several weeks for you to achieve results, and sometimes different medications must be tried before finding the one that works best. One way to gauge depression is by lacking interest and motivation towards activities you once enjoyed.
All of these issues should be explored as factors for otherwise healthy people, before jumping to the conclusion that fatigue is caused by an illness or other health problem. If you are still feeling tired, consult the list below for a few related health factors.
Heart problems
Some heart-related problems, or early onset of heart disease, can cause fatigue, especially in women. If exercise makes you feel worse, or you have trouble engaging in light physical activity, consult a doctor.
Thyroid
hypo and hyperthyroidism can both cause fatigue. You can have blood test to show if the TSH (thyroid- stimulated hormone) is producing normally. If not, a thyroid medication will correct the problem.
Anemia and other Nutrient Deficiencies
One of the most common causes of fatigue is anemia, which means lacking iron in the blood. There can also be deficiencies of vitamin D, potassium, B vitamins, and a host of others. Any deficiency in key nutrients can cause one to feel tired chronically, all the time. The way to correct this problem is with supplements, and eating a balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruits, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is only absorbed through sunlight, so it is smart to take this as a supplement or drink vitamin D-fortified milk or orange juice. A physician can conduct a blood test to look at blood levels and determine if you are low or at risk of, low levels.
If you are suffering from chronic tiredness, consider the main causes of fatigue in healthy people first, and make some lifestyle changes. If the problem persists, visit a qualified medical professional to help you figure out the cause. If, after all of this you’re still asking yourself the question “why do I feel tired all the time”, then an increase in your testosterone levels might be the solution to rejuvenate your youth. Click here to get a free consultation today.
