“Why am I always so tired?”
“I am always tired.”
“I have no energy, but I get enough sleep.”
Whether through e-mails, Facebook messages or other avenues, we hear the above complaints from our customers all the time. It seems no one is getting the right type of rest, even though they may be getting the recommended eight hours of sleep. This led us to wonder: Why are people always feeling tired despite the fact that they’re sleeping enough? We decided to investigate, and we were mighty surprised by what we found.
Here are five reasons you may feel tired even when you’re getting enough rest.
- You Have Poor Nutrition
A car can’t run without gas, and the human body can’t run without nutrient-rich food. If you eat too much sugar, not enough protein or avoid entire food groups, you’re not giving your body the nourishment it needs. This can result in feelings of lethargy and exhaustion.
Solve the problem by balancing your plate. Aim for at least one fruit and one vegetable per meal, and don’t be afraid of carbs. They provide the energy that keeps you going all day.
- You’re Anemic
Anemia, or low blood iron, may be the culprit in your exhaustion if you’re also experiencing these other symptoms:
- Headaches
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Chest pain
- Yellow or very pale skin
Your doctor can test you for anemia at the office and quickly put you on medicine and a diet plan to treat the problem.
- Thyroid Problems
Like anemia, thyroid troubles often fly under the radar. Their symptoms mimic so many other disorders that it can be hard to pin down a thyroid problem. This small gland regulates your body’s metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive, you may feel fatigue and weakness. Women are most susceptible to thyroid problems — especially women over age 40.
- Sleep Apnea
It may not be you aren’t getting enough rest. It may be you’re not getting the right kind of rest. Sleep apnea is a disorder that messes with the quality of your sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea suddenly stop breathing many times throughout the night. However, they can’t feel these short intervals. When they awake, they have no idea they were gasping for air.
Sleep apnea prevents you from getting the REM sleep you need to feel fully rested. Even if you sleep more, you won’t shake that lack of energy. Thankfully, this is a treatable condition.
- Food Allergies
Talk about an unexpected culprit. Most people know food allergies can cause unpleasant side effects, such as intestinal distress. But they can also make you feel exhausted. Food intolerances manifest themselves in many different ways. Those who are allergic to gluten, in particular, report feeling sluggish when they accidentally ingest some of this controversial substance.
The next time you wonder, “Why do I always feel so tired?”, remember this list and make an appointment with your doctor to make sure your body is healthy. Also, make sure you exercise good sleeping habits for a good night's sleep.