Why am I always tired?

Do you feel like you’re constantly on “empty”, even as you sleep, exercise and do all the things a healthy person is supposed to? Your health or lifestyle habits could be to blame.

Common energy stealers

Eating too many carbs

Daytime sleepiness has been linked to eating refined carbohydrates, which increase your blood sugar levels. This is followed by a plunge in insulin levels that can cause fatigue and weakness. Carbs may fill you up but they’re not loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to produce energy.

You’re not hydrated enough

When you don’t drink water your blood volume lowers, which means you don’t get as much blood to your brain. This makes your heart pump harder. Increase your water intake by eating more soup, fresh fruits and vegetables. Add pieces of fruit to spice up plain water.

Sleeping at the wrong time

It’s important to get in tune with your personal body clock to help you feel refreshed daily. Too much sleep can be just as bad as too little sleep. Look at what time you need to get back up, then count back 7.5 hours. This is a good time to get into bed. The rationale here is that the average person goes through five 90-minute sleep cycles alternating between sleep When you find your body’s perfect internal sleep-clock, stick to it and be consistent. It will help you be more alert during the day and you will function better.

Thyroid disease

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and digestive system. When the thyroid gland is underactive, hormones will not be produced effectively. Weight gain and feeling lethargic become the unpleasant side-effects. Symptoms include tiredness, brain fog, thinning of hair and continuously feeling cold. See a doctor to arrange a blood test for diagnosis.

Anaemia

Anaemia is related to a low supply of oxygen reaching cells and tissues throughout the body. This happens when there’s a problem with the red blood cells making haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body, more especially to the brain where it’s mostly needed. This results in insufficient iron levels within the blood, low Vitamin B12 and folate levels. A loss of blood or a diet that’s too low in the essential nutrients, delays the body’s ability to make enough haemoglobin. Symptoms include feeling as if you’re always tired, regardless of how much you sleep, weakness and lack of concentration.

Constant worrying

Overthinking can drive you crazy, and harm your health. Stressing and worrying have an impact on your overall quality of life, and most importantly, your energy levels. While you may not always be able to avoid stressful situations, doing yoga, practising breathing techniques and learning how to meditate can help relieve stress.

The energy diet

Eat foods that naturally boost your daily energy levels to help you feel more alert every day. Go for more natural foods that are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, proteins and vitamins. High-energy foods include wholegrains, tree nuts, bell peppers, lean meats, leafy greens, and eggs, fruit (especially bananas, apples and blueberries). Avoid unprocessed carbs and refined sugary foods.