Do you recall ever having a day where at some point, you didn't feel tired? For many of us, tiredness has become a regular part of life. Waking up feeling as fresh as a daisy and as bright as a button is a dream that most of us long for. What it may surprise you to learn though is the reasons for tiredness are many and varied and are not always as straightforward as not getting enough sleep.
Here we have listed some of the unconventional reasons why you may be tired and best of all, most of them are relatively easy to address.
Dehydration
The initial symptoms of dehydration a person may experience can include both mental and physical fatigue. Water is essential for ensuring we can absorb the nutrients from our food and flush out the body’s unwanted waste products. An average person living in a mild climate would need to consume approximately one and a half litres of fluids every day, however, people living in warmer areas may need to consume more to avoid dehydration.
As well as water, herbal teas, fruits and vegetables can all contribute towards your water intake.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Ensuring that we eat the right foods on a daily basis can significantly decrease the likelihood that a normal, healthy person will develop nutritional deficiencies. An inadequate dietary intake of iron, vitamin C and magnesium can lead to deficiencies may end up leaving you with symptoms of fatigue and lethargy.
A well-balanced diet that includes vegetables of all colours, fruits, nuts, seeds and lean meat and poultry can help to provide most people with the nutrients needed to maintain good health.
Stress
During prolonged periods of stress, our body is put under extra pressure as we attempt to cope with the increased demands placed upon us. Our adrenal glands are responsible for secreting hormones in response to stress and if the balance of these glands becomes disrupted, it can lead to conditions that result in feelings of fatigue.
A direct connection has been established between the adrenal glands and stress; whether it is emotional or physical stress the disruption to adrenal hormones can be the same. In order to support the adrenal glands, we should try to manage our stress by taking time out for ourselves wherever possible to unwind; yoga and meditation can be helpful, ensuring we get enough sleep and avoiding the use of stimulants is also advisable. Vitamin C is essential during times of stress, and is necessary for the normal function of the adrenal glands.
You’re Over Stimulated
We are constantly surrounded by technology; we have a mobile phone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a ‘tablet’ and the television. It’s little wonder that some of us find it hard to switch off at night, when we’re spending the evenings constantly tuned into primetime tv shows, playing games and surfing the web.
It has been suggested that using electronic devices can have a negative effect on sleep quality. The artificial light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt the normal brain and hormonal patterns that encourage sleepiness at night and wakefulness in the morning. This kind of disruption could mean that you may not recognise the feeling of tiredness and your cue to go to bed, resulting in a late night and inadequate sleep duration.
Instead of reaching for the laptop, or staying glued to the tv until late in the evening, pick up a good book, reach for a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea and relax.
You’re Under-Stimulated
In a contrast to being over-stimulated or stressed, not doing enough can sometimes produce similar results of fatigue. It is well recognised that increasing a person’s level of exercise can significantly help boost energy levels. What is also apparent is that a short period of stress can help to boost your immune system, as it prepares to deal with what it thinks will be an incoming illness or infection.
Long term stress definitely does not fall under the same bracket; conversely, it can be detrimental to your immunity. Consider taking up a new kind of sporting activity to take you out of your comfort zone, this may help to improve your energy levels and may even boost your immunity.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting the hormones necessary for several metabolic processes within the body. Occasionally thyroid function can be disrupted which may result in fatigue, amongst other symptoms. Any condition involving the thyroid must be treated by your Doctor.
