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84 Burnett St Bundaberg

10 Reasons Why You Are So Tired All The Time

Are you yawning and tired no matter what the time is? Do you struggle to recall the last time you felt energised?

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms we see here at Burnett House. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean that it is normal – fatigue is a sign that something is going on.

With that in mind, let’s look at 10 of the top reasons why you might be feeling exhausted on a daily basis.

You’re dehydrated

When was the last time you had a cup of water? If it’s been more than a few hours, there’s a good chance that dehydration is contributing to your lethargy.

The right amount of water depends on your body’s individual needs. A good starting point is drinking a cup of water every 90 minutes.

You’re not getting enough sleep

Sometimes, low energy can be as simple as not getting sufficient sleep every night. Most adults do best with 7-9 hours per night. If you’re not consistently getting a decent amount of rest, it can cause ongoing fatigue.

Keep in mind that the right amount of sleep for you is different to what someone else needs. If you need 9 hours sleep to feel refreshed, that doesn’t make you lazier than someone who needs 7! It simply means that your body has different requirements to recharge and repair overnight.

You’re not getting a deep sleep

Getting enough hours of sleep is not enough. If you’re sleeping 8 hours every night but your sleep is light or broken, you won’t feel well-rested in the morning. The quality of your sleep is just as critical as the quantity.

How can you tell you’re not getting a deep, restful sleep?

  • Even though you ‘fall asleep’, you feel like you’re still awake (this is common in the first stage of sleep)
  • You are easily woken by small disturbances
  • In the morning, you still feel fatigued
  • You may even rely on coffee and energy drinks to get going in the morning
  • It takes you longer than normal to recover from injury and illness

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to take a closer look at your sleep.

You’re under a lot of stress

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. But if you’re under significant strain or the stress has been going on for some time, it can affect your energy levels.

Many people feel ‘tired but wired’ to begin with. But as the stress continues, it can deplete your body and stress hormones, leading to ongoing exhaustion that is difficult to relieve.

If you’re experiencing fatigue due to chronic stress, there are some natural options that can support your body. Seek professional advice from a naturopath who can help you choose the right herbs and supplements for your needs.

You’re not moving your body regularly

If you’re not incorporating physical activity at least 3-5 days per week, it may be sapping your energy levels. Exercise can give a boost to mitochondria – the energy generators in your body’s cells.

By moving your body more consistently, you’re likely to feel more energised. This can be a catch-22 for many people, as exercise is the last thing you want to do when you’re tired!

If this is the case, start with low-intensity movement such as a walk around the block every evening. Many people will see an improvement in energy levels within a week or two.

You’re not getting enough of the key energy nutrients

There are several nutrients that play a role in energy production. If you are deficient in any of these nutrients, it can lead to fatigue.

The most common deficiencies that lead to low energy include:

  • Iron
  • B vitamins, particularly B12
  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium
  • CoQ10 - if you are taking statins, you’re at a higher risk of deficiency

It’s important to identify any deficiencies and correct them to relieve your fatigue.

Your blood sugar levels are fluctuating

Is your energy all over the place? Do you feel great after eating, but crash 1-2 hours after a meal? It’s likely that your blood sugar levels are playing a role.

For steady energy levels, we want to have steady blood sugars throughout the day. Unfortunately, refined sugars and processed carbohydrates can cause a sudden spike followed by a drop. This is why you feel great after eating a sugary treat, but your energy drops off soon afterwards.

Your thyroid is out of balance

One of the most important contributors to energy levels is your thyroid gland. So if it is not working properly, this can lead to you feeling fatigued.

Low thyroid function is the more common reason behind low energy. When thyroid hormones are low, the body’s processes slow down, including energy production.

However, some people with an overactive thyroid also experience low energy due to the excess strain on the body and nervous system.

To learn more about how the thyroid affects your energy

You have a chronic condition

In some cases, unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign that there is an underlying chronic condition. Some of the chronic conditions that can result in low energy levels include:

  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • PMS and PMDD
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue

If you have felt fatigued for more than 3 months for no obvious reason, it is worth investigating whether there is something else going on under the surface.

If your condition is diagnosed and you are using medication, the medication may also affect your energy levels. In this case, your best bet is to discuss it with your prescribing health professional.

Your gut is unhappy

Your gut health might not be the first factor that comes to mind when it comes to fatigue. But there are a number of ways that the digestive tract can influence your energy levels. Some of these include:

  • Poor digestion and absorption of key nutrients the body requires for energy production
  • Impaired production of neurotransmitters, which goes on to affect the brain and nervous system function
  • Gut conditions leading to inflammation, which can spread to other vulnerable areas such as the thyroid
  • Digestive symptoms disrupting the onset and maintenance of sleep

Are you tired of feeling tired all the time? Our naturopath Trish is here to support you. As a qualified health practitioner, Trish can arrange any relevant testing and create a tailored treatment plan to optimise your energy levels.

To book an appointment with Trish at our Bundaberg clinic, call us on (07) 41522372

© 2019 by Burnett House
84 Burnett St
Bundaberg South QLD 4670
ABN: 88 973 250 774
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