Do you find yourself feeling sluggish, exhausted and just worn all the way out even after getting what is usually enough sleep? We often use being tired and being fatigued interchangeably even though they are not exactly the same. Tiredness is natural after engaging in a tasking activity or having a long day at work. Tiredness goes away with rest. Fatigue is a more intense form of exhaustion that’s not a product of engaging in a task. It’s where no matter how much you rest you still feel like you have no energy to do anything. Here are some common reasons why this happens.
Poor diet and nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can leave you feeling tired all the time even after getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep daily. Some nutritional deficiencies that can lead to fatigue include:
- Iron
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
Your body needs a balanced diet to get the energy it needs, and the nutrients required for your body to perform critical functions. When you don’t get enough calories and nutrients, your body breaks down your fat and muscle to meet its energy needs and this loss of body fat and muscle may trigger fatigue.
Some solutions include:
- Decrease your sugar and ultra-processed food intake.
- Increase nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and protein.
- Decrease caffeine intake which can impair your sleep cycle.
- Stay hydrated which is important in maintaining energy levels.
- Decrease your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol intake is linked to difficulty sleeping.
Medical conditions linked to fatigue
Anemia – an iron deficiency leads to low production of red blood cells which play a key role in supplying oxygen to the organs in the body. When there’s a problem with the oxygen supply to your organs, it can leave you feeling perpetually tired.
Sleep apnea – This is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during sleep. It leads to irregular or inadequate sleep which can contribute to chronic sleep deficiency and fatigue. How Sleep Apnea Can Lead To Brain Damage
Diabetes – feeling tired all the time is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. Health: 7 Prediabetes Signs You Should Know
Underactive thyroid and hormone disorders – If your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism starts to slow down which can lead to fatigue. Health: Thyroid Problems – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Chronic kidney disease – a decrease in kidney function can lead to a collection of toxins and impurities in the blood which can make you feel tired and weak. Health: Causes Of Kidney Diseases Among People Below 40 Years
Bacterial or viral infection – a cold or flu can leave you feeling worn out and tired as your body fights off an infection.
Heart disease – extreme tiredness is a common symptom of congestive heart failure. Different Types Of Heart Disease And Managing Them
Depression – depression can lead to feelings of energy depletion where you have little interest in daily activities. It can also affect your sleep and eating habits which can affect your sleep further worsening your exhaustion. 7 Daily Habits For Managing Depression
Stress and anxiety – stress and anxiety go hand in hand leaving you feeling less energetic and more lethargic no matter how much sleep you get. 5 Ways To Deal With Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Check out
Wellness: Why You’re Always Tired Even After Sleeping Enough
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Do You Get Enough Sleep But Still Wake Up Feeling Tired? Try This Method Of Planning Your Sleep
Lifestyle: Tips To Manage Daytime Sleepiness
Better Sleep: Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid
