Everyone experiences that feeling when you drag yourself through the day as you watch the hours crawl by while you wait to go back to bed. While in some cases this may be mere fatigue, in some instances something deeper is happening with our bodies. If you are consistently feeling drained despite getting adequate rest, you can rule out fatigue and consider those other possibilities. Today, we will explore six surprising reasons why you may be feeling tired, from nutrient deficiencies to hidden infections.
1. Undiagnosed Thyroid Problems
When regulating metabolism and energy levels, thyroids play an important role. If you are feeling sluggish and fatigued, it could be the result of your thyroid being underactive (hypothyroidism). When this happens, it slows down your body’s functions. People who have issues with their thyroid are often unaware of it due to the subtle symptoms that gradually develop. To know if you have thyroid issues, you can speak to your physician and request a blood test to check your thyroid function.
2. Sleep Disorders
One way to determine if you have a sleep disorder is if you are always waking up exhausted. When it comes to sleep disorders, you can sleep for long hours and still wake up feeling tired. Your energy levels will be significantly affected if you have an untreated sleep disorder. One of the most common conditions is sleep apnoea when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. You can speak to your doctor if you are struggling with exhaustion after waking up and consider a sleep evaluation to help diagnose the problem.
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Another surprising cause of fatigue is urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are commonly associated with pain and discomfort during urination. However, UTIs can also result in general fatigue due to the energy your body is using to fight the infection. Therefore, if you are feeling tired and run down and you suspect that you may have a UTI, you can take a urine or blood test at the doctor’s office to determine if an infection is the root of the problem.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
While you might enjoy processed food, there are many serious health risks. One way to determine if you are consuming too much processed food and not enough essential vitamins and minerals is when you start feeling sluggish. Your body needs various nutrients to function properly. Deficiencies in iron and vitamin D typically cause tiredness. The best way to ensure that you are feeding your body all that it needs is by maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You can speak to your doctor about taking a multivitamin if you have nutrient deficiencies.
5. Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress can lead to many health risks, and it can also make you feel drained. When stressed for a long period, hormones like cortisol are constantly released. Your body will remain in a heightened state of alertness, which can leave you feeling mentally and physically drained. To prevent this from happening, you can partake in activities, such as meditation, walking outdoors, and yoga, that can reduce your stress.
6. Screen Addiction
When you are spending too much time on your devices, you can be affected by the blue light. The blue light from your phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your sleep cycle. As a result, you can have difficulties falling asleep and staying rested. Additionally, you can feel fatigued because your brain is on high alert when constantly checking your notifications or scrolling through social media. You can solve this problem by reducing screen time, especially before bed, by putting down your device an hour before bedtime.
