If you find yourself nodding off whenever you start reading a book or soon after starting your work, it’s a clear sign that you need to check your sleep habits.
While certain stress levels are normal, feeling fatigued at all times is not. For one, it’s your body’s way of telling you that you need to rest.
To know if what you’re experiencing is normal levels of fatigue, Balanced Body Functional Medicine shares these questions you need to ask yourself:
Why Am I So Tired Always?
Your lifestyle choices, work, and habits affect how rested or tired you feel. For instance, if you work long hours or regularly commute for your job, you might feel tired all the time. You might feel the same if you take certain medications or drink most days.
How Much Sleep Do I Get?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to function well and feel rested during the day. However, as we age, our requirements go down. So, generally, the older you get, the less sleep you need. For example, what worked for you when you had a baby may not work for you now.
If you’re someone who got by on very little sleep in the past, but you’re now feeling fatigued, even after sleeping the recommended 7-9 hours, you might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Other symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Restless legs syndrome
- Morning grogginess
- Daytime sleepiness
If you’re not getting the right amount of sleep, you could be at risk for serious health complications.
Do I Feel More Energized When I am Well-Rested?
Feeling tired all the time can affect every area of your life, which makes it hard to enjoy what you’re doing. However, when you’re well-rested, you’ll find it easier to focus on things like your job and your relationships.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, try to change your sleep habits. Before you go to bed, plan what you’ll do the next day and go to bed at the same time. Also, avoid taking harmful substances to your sleep, like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
If you’re still waking up tired despite getting a regular amount of sleep, you could be suffering from a sleep disorder. For example, if you’re overweight, you might have sleep apnea, where breathing stops or becomes very shallow for short periods during sleep.
Health Conditions That May Cause Excessive Tiredness
If you’re suffering from excessive tiredness, it could also be that you’re suffering from a health condition. The National Health Service says that fatigue is a symptom of several serious medical conditions. Therefore, if you’re experiencing this regularly, it’s wise to consult a doctor. Here are some of the most common health conditions that cause excessive tiredness:
- Anemia
- Abnormalities in electrolyte
- Conditions of the heart, liver, lung, or thyroid
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and others
- Metabolic problems like diabetes
- Obesity
- Rheumatological conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Snoring
- Cancer or other diseases
When to Consult Your Doctor
If you experience fatigue all the time, it’s time to take your health seriously. A trip to the doctor is the best way to get to the bottom of your excessive tiredness. They will ask you about your lifestyle habits and any changes you’ve made in them. Depending on your answers, the doctor might recommend a few tests to identify the underlying cause of your fatigue.
Conclusion
Excessive tiredness is not just a sign of laziness or lack of discipline. You could be suffering from a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. However, if your excessive tiredness isn’t caused by a medical condition, you’re probably not getting enough sleep, or your lifestyle impacts your ability to sleep as required. Either way, it’s a good idea to visit balanced Body Functional Medicine to get some relief from tiredness, especially if you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue.
Balanced Body Functional Medicine offers adrenal fatigue treatment and other services for functional medicine in Sugar Land. Contact us today to set an appointment and determine if you have adrenal fatigue or know if there are other causes of your tiredness!
