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Why You Are Tired
Fatigue is rampant in today’s busy world. While excessive tiredness is sometimes a sign of illness, it is often due to lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at some possible reasons for why you are tired.
1. The Most Common Cause of Tiredness Is Simply Not Getting Enough Sleep
Every person has different sleep requirements. Some people feel great after sleeping for seven hours while others need nine or more hours of sleep nightly. Pay attention to what your body is telling you about your individual needs. Have a nightly routine which promotes a restful night’s sleep. Keep your bedroom conducive to rest. Turn off the television and computer. Take advantage of your body’s natural cycles. Most experts recommend that going to bed around ten PM is optimal. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals at night.
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2. Your Sleep Quality Is Poor Due to Worry
The old adage about “not going to bed angry” is time tested wisdom. Resolve issues before you go to bed. If that is not possible, try giving yourself a “worry time” well before bedtime. Allow yourself to think about an issue for a specified period of time, for example ten to twenty minutes. After the time is up, mentally tell yourself that you are putting your problem in a sealed box for the rest of the day and night. Do this each day and you will find that you have more power over your worry and may be able to sleep better.
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3. You Don't Get Restful Sleep Because You Have to Urinate Frequently at Night
Sleep quality may be poor for a wide array of reasons. If you have to get up at night often to urinate, you will be unable to enter the deep restful stages of sleep. Talk with your health care provider if you suffer from disturbed sleep due to frequent urination. Many treatments are available which can reduce the frequency of nighttime trips to the bathroom.
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4. Shortness of Breath Keeps You Awake at Night and You Feel Tired the Next Day
If you suffer from emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis, your tissues may not receive adequate amounts of oxygen. This leads to fatigue. In addition, you may have increased coughing and difficulty breathing when you lie down. The combination of poor sleep and reduced oxygen levels may result in mild to severe fatigue. Consult with your health care provider if you have COPD, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Get a check-up if you think that you may be suffering from any breathing disorder. Try sleeping in a recliner or in bed with your head propped up on several pillows.
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5. Cardiovascular Illnesses May Cause Fatigue
Tiredness can be assign of cardiovascular problems. A new onset of extreme fatigue is a warning sign for women who are at risk for having a heart attack. If you suffer from congestive heart failure, you may feel tire all of the time. See your doctor without delay if you suffer from fatigue or swelling of your extremities, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath. If you have chest pain or severe difficulty breathing call emergency services immediately.
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6. Mental Health Issues Cause Physical and Mental Exhaustion
If you suffer from panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression you may be tired due to several reasons. Worry and anxiety is physically draining. If you have panic attacks or PTSD, your body may experience the “fight or flight” reaction. After the panic response occurs, you will be exhausted; physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your sleep may be interrupted by nightmares. If you require the use of anti-anxiety medications, you may be sleepy due to their effects.
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7. Fatigue May Be the Result of Discontent
If you are unhappy with a relationship, your job, or some other aspect of your life, you may feel tired from trying to cope with a difficult situation. You may be bored, troubled, or feel trapped. Pay attention to your body’s responses. If a situation or relationship is not working for you, take action. Small steps can lead to huge improvements in your quality of life. Remember to keep the focus on yourself. Don’t try to change the other person.
Try writing to determine what the problem is. Divide a piece of paper in half. On one side list the positives of a situation; for example, your job. On the other side; list the negative factors. Seeing situations more clearly leads to resolution. Staying stuck is exhausting.
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8. Not Getting Enough Exercise
Inadequate exercise leads to a sluggish mind and body. While it takes energy to exercise, physical activity boosts your metabolic rate for hours after you cease exercising. This translates to more energy, clearer thinking, less discomfort, and a better mood. If you exercise during the daytime, you will likely sleep better at night.
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9. Is Pain Draining Your Energy?
Chronic pain is a well know energy drain. Pain and a lack of energy can be signs of serious illness including cancer. If you know what is causing your pain, take steps to control it well. Many treatments are available. If you use narcotic pain relievers, they may be contributing to your fatigue. By incorporating a holistic pain management plan, you may be able to reduce your need for them. Pain may directly interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep by keeping you awake at night. See your heath care provider if you suffer from ongoing discomfort.
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10. Are You Maintaining a Healthy Weight?
If you are underweight, you may not be consuming enough calories to fuel your body’s energy requirements. Excess pounds are the equivalent of carrying around heavy packages all day long. Any extreme of weight, too high or too low, may result in fatigue. If you have had a recent, unintentional change in weight, consult with your health care provider as a sudden weight gain or loss may be a sign of serious illness.
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11. Is Your Diet Making You Sleepy
That afternoon candy bar may provide you with a brief burst of energy, but it will actually make you more tired in the long run. Small amounts of caffeine, early in the day may get you started, however if you consume caffeine excessively or late in the day, it may increase your fatigue. Foods which are high in fat produce lethargy. Eat a healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. You will feel more energetic, be healthier, and find that maintaining a healthy weight is easier.
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12. Are You Working Too Hard?
Most people do not work forty hour work week worldwide. Yet among many societies, working excessively is valued. While long hours of employment may be necessary to keep food on the table, often other options are available. Unpaid work hours, such as laundry, childcare, and grocery shopping are often not even considered when thinking about how hard one works. You can go against the current trend for excess activity and choose to live a simpler life. You will not only sleep better, feel less fatigued, but you will likely find that you enjoy more happiness.
Fatigue is most often a result of lifestyle, however it may be a sign of many underlying illnesses. See your health care provider for a checkup if you have a new onset of fatigue or if you suffer from chronic tiredness.
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