Do you feel tired all the time? Is it a struggle to sit through a film or a work meeting without dropping off? Does your fatigue negatively impact your career or personal life?
Being tired sometimes is natural
We all feel sleepy now and then. When you’ve had a hard day at the office, an enormous meal, a long drive across the country, or a strenuous workout it’s common to want to curl up in bed and have a good snooze. But if your tiredness is persistent then there may be an underlying cause.
Fatigue is a symptom of so many different health conditions, ranging from minor to serious. If you are experiencing any other symptoms then it will be easier to narrow down the cause, and it might be worth seeing a doctor for the professional to pinpoint it. But if tiredness is your only symptom, it can be a little more tricky to ascertain.
To help you put your finger on the root of your sleepiness, here are four possible reasons that you can’t keep your eyes open.
1. Tired all the time because of anemia
One of the most common reasons for fatigue is anemia, which affects more than 5% of people. Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells.
This could be down to a natural decrease in red blood cell production, but it is commonly a result of iron deficiency. Your doctor will be able to give you a blood test to determine whether you are deficient in iron or other vitamins, and once diagnosed it is easy to manage.
Taking iron deficiency supplements regularly should help to reduce your fatigue. That can keep you more alert throughout the day.
2. Stress
If you have a high-pressured job role or difficult life circumstances, there is a good chance you are battling with stress. The consequences of high-stress levels for your well-being can be significant and it can cause or worsen all kinds of health conditions.
Stress causes you to release hormones that put your body in fight-or-flight mode, which can exhaust your body’s natural resources and lead to extreme tiredness. If you feel that stress is the cause of your fatigue then try to instill more calm into your life.
Consider talking to your boss about managing your workload to alleviate at least some of the pressure. Also, try techniques like exercise and meditation.
3. A sedentary lifestyle makes you tired all the time
You might think that the more active you are, the more tired you will be, but sometimes the opposite is true. If you spend a large portion of your time sitting down and don’t get much exercise, you are much more likely to feel fatigued.
Many studies show that physical activity can actually lead to an increase in energy levels, so take up a sport and get outside. It’ll reinvigorate you!
4. Chronic fatigue syndrome
Sometimes tiredness can be a symptom of something more serious, and chronic fatigue syndrome can have a significant impact on your life. Its cause is unknown but it manifests itself in extreme tiredness that does not disappear with sleep.
Treatment for this condition involves learning to live with your symptoms and keeping your energy levels up with exercise and rest. It could be why you’re feeling tired all the time. See your doctor for the answer to what’s causing your drowsiness so that you can enjoy a better quality of life again.
This is me right now… I’m thinking all of the above? It’s so funny how when we are tired, we don’t want to exercise, which in turn makes us more tired!
It’s a tough cycle!
I’m tired all the time because there is infrastructure excavating and construction grinding away on the block I live on.
Godzilla vs King Kong is quieter. Sometimes it’s 24 hours. Can’t sleep at night, can’t focus in the day. There is nowhere in the apartment I can escape the Racket.
The good news is – it’s scheduled to be finished in August, 2022!
OH no! And you cannot get away with COVID having so many of us stuck at home.. Boo. Perhaps a pair of noise-canceling headphones is in order!
Thanks for this post, Christy. I am tired after a year of non-stop work and stress as well as a diagnosis of situational [work related] high blood pressure. I am looking forward to a holiday starting this Thursday.
I’m sorry to hear about your high blood pressure, Robbie. Good that you are taking holiday. I hope you have a relaxing break xx
Great post !! Thank you
Thanks Maisie for appreciating the content here
Point four could become important as part of the so called “post Covid-syndrome”. Thank yiu for the great information, Christy!
That is a good point, Michael. Long Covid results in chronic fatigue. Have a good week, Michael.
Thank you, Robbie! I hope you enjoyed Easter, and will have a great week! Michael
Ahhhh yes!
;-)
Nice article, with valuable information.
Thank you! Wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead ♥🌷
I’ve definitely been sleepy as of late…hopefully it’s just allergies or “I-want-to-be-lazing-under-a-tree-or-a-beach” Spring Fever effect!
My husband has allergies that make him tired too, so totally get it!