Everyone wants to, every once in a while, stay in bed all day and rest. Certain events and activities in life can make one feel exhausted more than usual. Tiredness is a common feeling that usually is not a cause for concern. Unless, of course, it happens regularly.
If you feel extreme tiredness every single day, you need to investigate and find out why that is. Fatigue is a symptom of many health conditions, some of which are very serious and require immediate medical attention.
Most of the time, it could be caused by your lifestyle. Luckily, in such cases, it is easy to fix. The challenge is to determine which is causing you to feel tired all the time. Here are some potential culprits.
You Spend Too Much Time Under the Sun
Just like so many people around the world, you started gardening during the pandemic. It is a good hobby because it gives you a reason to get out. It also keeps you healthy by pushing you to regularly exercise and get your dose of vitamin D. However, it could also make you feel tired.
Heat does lead to feelings of sleepiness and fatigue. It happens because when the environment is hot, your body works harder to keep your internal temperature cool. All that work requires energy which is why, after working on your garden, you feel sluggish and in dire need of a nap.
Every once in a while, it is okay to call a professional to come in and give your lawn some care. That way, you can rest and feel rejuvenated enough to maintain your garden.
Your Diet is Zapping Your Energy
If you are the type to get a burger or a pizza regularly, there is a possibility that you feel tired all the time.
Foods that are high in fat but low in fiber slow your digestion. As a result, your body does not get enough nutrients that will give you energy. After eating fast food meals, you will feel very sleepy.
Similarly, previous studies found that diets that are high in saturated fat also significantly impact your energy levels throughout the day. Aside from that, you will become at risk of experiencing constipation, type-2 diabetes, and other health conditions.
In addition, stay away from sugary treats and drinks. While it can give you a burst of energy immediately after consumption, you will feel sluggish and sleepy after an hour or two. It is called a sugar crash, and, aside from fatigue, it is accompanied by other symptoms, including irritability, discomfort, headaches, dizziness, and hunger.
You need to stay away from unhealthy meals. Choose to eat snacks that are dense with nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables. Quit drinking soda or, worse, energy drinks in the middle of the day, too, because you will end up falling asleep on your desk for the rest of the day.
You Woke Up Late Again
Sleeping for less than the recommended seven to nine hours per night will make you tired throughout the day. The opposite, which is sleeping too much, can also cause fatigue. It can put you on an endless cycle of oversleeping.
There is a reason why you oversleep. In some cases, an underlying medical condition may be causing oversleeping. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even headaches are all associated with excessive tiredness, leading to oversleeping.
Most of the time, however, it is probably the quality of sleep you are getting. The number of hours you spend in bed is not the only factor that affects your health and your alertness when you are awake.
Having good quality sleep means you stay asleep throughout the night. Continuity is important because it is the only guarantee that you move through every stage of sleep and that you will wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
How quickly you fall asleep also determines the quality of sleep you get. You should fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.
You Have Undiagnosed Hypersomnia
There is also a condition called hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Those who have it experience difficulty functioning during the day. They feel tired, unable to concentrate, anxious and restless, irritable, zero appetite, memory problems, and slow thinking and speaking.
Hypersomnia can be a symptom of another illness, or it is a primary condition. Treatment varies depending on the cause. If the condition is caused by something else, the underlying illness needs to be addressed. Your doctor may also prescribe you medication intended for narcolepsy to help you feel more awake during the day.
There are many possible causes for tiredness and sleepiness during the day. To address it, you need to figure out the source. If it has started to cause you trouble, see your doctor as soon as possible.