We all feel fatigued from time to time, but if you're tired more often than you'd like to be, it's time to get to the bottom of what's causing you to not live to the best of your ability.
Feeling tired often is actually extremely detrimental to your health. Your body is trying to tell you there's a serious issue as to why it lacks energy.
Here are 10 medical reasons why you may be tired all the time. If you believe you're suffering from any of these conditions, consult with your doctor.
1. Food sensitivities
If something doesn't sit well in your stomach, it's going to disrupt your digestive tract, but it can also cause fatigue. It's been found that people who are sensitive to gluten, dairy, corn, and eggs have lower energy levels than people who don't.
2. Not eating enough food
If your calorie-count is low, your body is not getting enough energy. Consuming less than what your body needs will result in your metabolism to slow down to conserve energy, causing fatigue.
3. Not enough sun exposure
Vitamin deficiency may also be the reason you're tired, so make sure your vitamin D levels are not too low. If you don't get enough sun exposure, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements.
4. Depression
Depression depletes a hormone known as serotonin, which gives you energy and helps balance your body's internal clock. If you're not feeling happy, your motivation levels will decrease, disrupting your sleep schedule.
5. Underactive thyroid
The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism and digestive system, and when it's not producing enough of these necessary hormones that help your body function normally, you will start feeling tired. People who suffer from this condition usually put on weight and lose energy. Test your thyroid levels if you also have any of these symptoms: thinning hair, feeling cold all the time, and not being able to focus properly.
These next ones may also be contributing to why you're feeling tired all the time...
6. Disrupted sleep schedule
This is pretty obvious, but it's overlooked by many doctors. Everyone complains that they don't get enough sleep, but high-quality sleep means something different for every individual. Some people sleep too much, which actually contributes to their fatigue. Others don't get enough sleep, and don't get naps to make up for the time lost.
That being said, the best thing you can do is go to bed at the same time every night.
7. Sedentary lifestyle
Are you too tired to exercise? I used to use this excuse all the time, but after my car broke down, I had to walk for an hour to get to work. I thought I'd feel more tired, but I noticed that I had more energy throughout the day. A sedentary lifestyle makes you feel lethargic and decreases your motivation levels. Exercise releases hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which make you feel happy.
8. Dehydration
Our bodies are mostly made up of water, so we need adequate hydration to keep us energized. You're losing water through your sweat glands, urine, stool, and breath every day, so make sure you replenish what you lose throughout the day.
However, make sure you're drinking water, and not energy drinks, soda, and caffeine. Sugar only gives you a temporary energy boost.
9. Anemia
Your exhaustion and fatigue may be because there's not an adequate amount of red blood cells in your body. Iron-deficiency is one of the leading causes of fatigue, but it often takes a long time to treat because of how sensitive many people are to iron supplements. Consult with your doctor on the best course of treatment and make sure you're eating foods high in iron.
10. Anxiety and stress
Stress is the mother of all illnesses. A recent study found that high amounts of anxiety and stress are a leading cause of chronic fatigue. Instead of popping pills, try to minimize your stress by engaging in activities like yoga and painting.