There are many reasons for feeling tired, some of which are self inflicted, and others which may need medical attention:
- Sleep Disorders- These range from insomnia caused by stress or low blood sugar levels, to sleep apnea which causes breathing to stop at short intervals throughout the night.
- Balanced blood sugar and going too long without food – many people have long gaps of 7 or 8 hours between lunch and dinner, this can lead to a mid afternoon drop in energy.
- The wrong lunch
- Stress /Adrenals – if the adrenals are overworked it can result in Chronic Fatigue.
- Stimulants – caffeine, sugar and cigarettes hype you up, but relying on them depletes your natural energy reserves.
- Supplements – the right supplements can boost your energy and mood
- Thyroid problems – underactive thyroid can result in fatigue, common in menopausal women
- Diabetes – Extreme fatigue is a sign of type 2 diabetes along with excessive thirst, blurred vision and reoccurring infections.
- Anemia – lack of iron
- Chronic disease – inflammation, fatigue and low energy are typical
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) – extreme fatigue and muscle aches that doesn’t improve with rest.