Always Tired? Here Are 8 Possible Reasons Why

Sharon Moore April 08, 2014

Do you find yourself lacking in energy even if you haven’t done anything extraordinary for the day? Do you always feel sleepy, lethargic and unmotivated? What could be keeping you from performing at your best?

You are dehydrated.

Whether you are sweating hard in the gym or just making a report on your desk, your body needs enough water to function well. Dehydration is among the usual causes of fatigue as well as pain. Drink water throughout the day. When working out, drink about 2 glasses of water an hour or more prior your exercise, sip throughout, and drink more right after.

Not enough sleep.

It may see to obvious but one of the most common causes of fatigue is insufficient sleep. Lack of quality shuteye can be detrimental to your mental health as it is to your physical wellbeing. Make sleep a priority and keep a regular schedule. Before bedtime, avoid using electronic gadgets, especially mobile phones, PC tablets, laptops and those that emit blue light. You can also try practising relaxation techniques to induce sleep.

You’re eating too little or too much.

Your diet plays a major role in your likelihood of fatigue. Basically, your body needs enough fuel to function properly. Skipping breakfast is a sure-fire way to drain your energy. Meanwhile, eating too much can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, which causes feelings of tiredness and lethargy. Make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet. Your regular meals should contain complex carbohydrates and lean protein as these are your primary sources of energy. Avoid calorie-dense yet nutrient-less foods. Yes, you know what they are – junk food.

You’re depressed.

You may think that depression is a mental disorder. That’s true. But it comes with a variety of physical symptoms too and they include fatigue. If you feel ‘tired’ and ‘down’ for a couple of weeks now, and you also experience sleep issues, headaches and other forms of discomfort, see your doctor.

You have hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck which controls metabolism or the rate by which the body converts fuel into energy. When your metabolism functions poorly, you may feel sluggish all the time and you may notice that you have difficulties maintaining a normal weight.

You have anaemia.

Anemia is one of the leading causes of fatigue in women. During menstruation, women tend to experience iron deficiency which is a risk factor for the said condition. Red blood cells are needed because they carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. Anemia caused by iron deficiency can be addressed by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods like lean meat, liver, shellfish, beans, and enriched cereal.

You’re drinking too much coffee.

Caffeine is known to boost mental performance, only when consumed in moderation. When too much, it increase heart rate and blood pressure, and cause jitteriness. Try to reduce your caffeine intake. Remember that apart from coffee, caffeinated foods (and or substances) we usually consume include chocolates, tea, and medications.

You have diabetes.

Diabetics often experience persistent, unexplained fatigue. This is caused by abnormally high levels of sugar which remain in their bloodstream. Aside from standard medications and therapies, treatments for diabetes also includes a healthy lifestyle, particularly increased physical activity, proper diet.