We all have moments or days where we are tired, especially after a few days of working hard or a long trip.
This is a normal and expected response. But, when you find yourself in a state of being constantly tired, you might want to start asking yourself important questions: why am I always tired and what can I do about it?
Unfortunately, unhealthy, chronic exhaustion is not particularly uncommon. Many people experience it, and similarly, many people get over it.
This blog will explore some common reasons you might always be tired.
Also, mentioning all these reasons and not providing some solutions won’t be very helpful for you. So, I have also included some effective ways to overcome this state of chronic tiredness!
5 Reasons Why You’re Always Tired
You’re not getting enough sleep.
Seem obvious?
We live in a world that places a lot of importance on accumulating wealth, in some cases at the expense of our well-being. I have come across the ‘gospel’ of glorifying little sleep numerous times. There are a lot of people suggesting that sleep is a waste of time that you should be up and chasing the bag.
In reality, it’s simple – our bodies need sleep. Studies have shown that with good sleep, we find improved memory, sharper cognitive abilities and overall better mood, among other things. All these positives are crucial for the success we might be seeking to achieve.
In order to get the best sleep we need, consider:
- Reducing screen time before bed
- Decluttering your bedroom
- Creating a comfortable space for sleep (eg. dark curtains and using temperature-regulating duvets)
- Create and stick to a sleep routine
- Avoid naps during the day (or stick to 20 min naps)
- Limit caffeine during the day
- Sleeping naked
Stress and Anxiety
Being stressed can definitely lead to us being tired and fatigued.
When stressed, our brain works overtime trying to figure out solutions. Unfortunately, in some cases, we are crafting solutions for hypothetical scenarios, so there are endless possibilities of what could go wrong and how we can work through it.
Moreover, stress also gets in the way of our sleep when we lie down at night. Some of the best ways to deal with stress include:
- Planning ahead
- Talking to someone
- Practicing mindfulness
- Breathing exercises
- Limiting social media use
- Have some ‘me time’
Nutrient Deficiencies
Our bodies are beautiful, yet complex puzzles.
There is a set of nutrients and vitamins that allow our bodies to flourish, and without them, we might not feel as good. Deficiencies hinder our bodies from working as well as they should, and that might result in constant tiredness.
In order to avoid this, try to always have a well-balanced diet. Don’t be scared to try new foods; sometimes, you might have to take supplements.
When you are not sure about something, consult a health professional, and they will be able to advise accordingly or recommend some tests so you know what you need to improve on.
Some deficiencies that result in exhaustion include a lack of:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Iodine
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Omega 3 fatty acids
Hormonal changes
There are several factors, such as menopause, menstruation and hypothyroidism, that influence our hormonal levels (At least, for some of us.). As our hormones fluctuate, we feel different, and in some cases, that means we experience a lot of tiredness, mood swings and overall energy loss.
Depending on the changes you are experiencing in your body, there could be a treatment available. You would have to consult your doctor to get an accurate assessment of what could be happening to you from a hormonal perspective and how you can deal with it, as this differs from one person to the other.
Medications
Sometimes, we are on medication to deal with particular issues and we don’t realize how much they can influence us.
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- anti-anxiety medications
Medications such as these can do a good job working on the issues we are taking them for, but some of the side effects can include being tired and exhausted.
When you are not sure how your medication is making you feel, be more mindful and keep a record of how you’re feeling.
When you have a reasonable belief that the medication could be making you tired, you can reach out to your health care practitioner and they might be able to give you alternative medication that could be better suited for you.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of reasons why you could be constantly tired and this article touches on some of the main ones.
Also, most of the reasons come down to poor-quality sleep and not getting enough of it.
Keep in mind that these factors are not particularly a one-size-fits-all all. In some cases, the circumstances may be a little different for you, so when working on the solution, reshape it to suit your needs best.
Don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider when you see the need to.
What about you? What are your tips for overcoming feeling always tired? Tell us in the comments below!
Photo by Vitaly Gariev
