Possible Reasons Why You're Always Tired (Aside From Not Getting EnoughSleep)

I said, 'aside from not getting enough sleep' because that is what most people assume is making them tired all the time. While this is *definitely* a possible reason, there are several others I'd like to explore.


-Anemia. Basically, anemia is a condition where an iron deficiency causes the body to not make enough red blood cells. When this happens, the rest of your body doesn't get the oxygen it needs and slows down. This is particularly common in pregnant women (for obvious reasons), but others can get it too. I can go over this in greater detail in another post.

-Sleep Apnea. A friend of mine complained that she couldn't sleep well because of her husband's snoring. I can *definitely* relate, as can my husband! There are several reasons for a person to snore, but my friend's husband did a sleep study and was found to have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is where a person literally stops breathing for a few seconds several times during sleep, often due to the collapse of soft tissue in the back of the throat blocking the airway. Since your body doesn't get the oxygen it needs, it slows down and you feel tired. Luckily, doctors have come up with several treatments, the most common one involving a mask you wear while you sleep that forces air into your body. My father and friend's husband both use these, and they have made a world of difference.

-Thyroid issues. When the thyroid doesn't produce the right amount of hormones, other systems don't function properly and you get tired. For many, taking hormone stimulants solves the problem.

-Lack of water/exercise/proper diet. Exercise can help your body get the oxygen it needs more efficiently, giving you more energy.

-Depression. Sometimes emotional downturns can present themselves in physical ways. You don't want to do the things you used to enjoy-or anything, really-because they become more of a chore than anything else. They take more effort than we are willing to put out, so we feel tired. The fact that people who are depressed also experience sleep disturbances (often sleeping too much) just adds to the tired feeling. Luckily, there are several treatments for this, medicinal and otherwise. When you go to the doctor, ask about thyroid issues too; sometimes they mimic depression.

-Undiagnosed heart disease. Tiredness is a major sign of heart disease in women. If you find yourself unable to do the things you normally do without getting worn out, see the doctor.

-Untreated diabetes. See above.


If you feel tired all the time and 'the usual'  remedies don't work, see your doctor. There are several disorders that cause chronic fatigue that only your doctor can diagnose and treat.
Take care.

How To Have Better Sleep At Night

Sleeping is one of those things you either have no issues with, or you need to do everything in your power to obtain. It is however, something that everyone needs to have on a regular basis in order to function properly. Learning how to have a better sleep at night is the first step to a healthier you.

Not having enough sleep can really deprive you of your day. It can make your brain appear a bit foggy, your tired, your body aches, and you cannot function at the level you once did. When being a parent, getting sleep is even more crucial. You have to be at your best to care for little ones, and during those baby stages sleep can seem like something in a fairytale.

The first part of sleeping well on a regular basis is making the right choices during the day to ensure you will be able to rest. For example, if you choose to down a few cups of coffee each day your body may not be able to respond to this very well and as a result you are lacking in good, quality sleep. Instead, make certain that you are not consuming any foods that have the potential to keep you awake at night. Coffees, teas, sodas, chocolate candies etc...while these are fine in the morning or lunch hours, you need to cut them off at least three hours before calling it a night.

Exercise is a must! You have to wear your body out in order to make it sleepy and exercise has a way of making your body run more effectively. It can help you sleep better at night, just by walking a few days per week, do not be put off by thinking you need to get in some activity each day that has to be inside a fitness center as that is not the case. Use whatever means you have to get fit for a bit a few times per week, and you will sleep better at night.

Reading and bathing are two excellent ways to get the body ready for sleep. Your brain cannot be put to rest until you advise it to. This means you should truly stop working and watching television each night and pick up a good book instead. Reading for a few minutes in bed can relax the brain and also expand it. Reading as an activity makes the brain smarter, it exercises your mind and then you are gaining two great things at once. Taking a bath or hot shower can relax you for rest as well. Get some great soaps on board that you love the smell of, put on comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe while sleeping and getting bed with a great book. It usually works every time!