6 Reasons You’re Always Tired

In this modern world we’re all living much busier lives, and frequently feeling tired has long been accepted as a perfectly normal consequence of this. However, consistent fatigue isn’t just unhealthy in the long term, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem on the horizon.

Research suggests that, on average, 43% of people in the UK feel tired from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to sleep. Described as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, fatigue includes symptoms such as reduced concentration, short-term memory issues, moodiness and a lack of motivation.

The reason behind your tiredness? Fatigue is often linked to our lifestyle, as well as psychological or general wellbeing, although certain medications or underlying medical issues can also cause it.

Here are seven possible reasons why you may be feeling tired all of the time.

You’re simply not getting enough sleep

According to research, as many as 16 million UK adults are suffering from sleepless nights, and a third say they have insomnia, so there’s a good chance you could be tired because you’re simply not getting enough sleep.

Sleep needs vary significantly between individuals, however most adults need at least seven hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep hygiene plays a significant role in quality sleep for most people. Avoid stimulating foods and caffeine before bed, set up a comfortable space for you to actually fall asleep in, and most importantly, trying to get to sleep by a set hour every night (and stick to it at the weekends!).

You’re low in certain nutrients

1 in 5 people in the UK have suboptimal or deficient levels of Vitamin D. You’ll find it in oily fish, egg yolks and fortified foods. However, we recommend taking a daily supplement as it’s tough to get in your diet alone.

Iron can be found in red meat, nuts, pulses, fish and dark leafy greens. B vitamins are just as essential and can be found in eggs, fish and kidney beans, and green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and spinach.

You’re dealing with depression

Depression can cause a range of different symptoms, but decreased energy or fatigue is a big one.

If you’re also experiencing other symptoms of depression such as feelings of hopelessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, loss of pleasure in hobbies or suicidal thoughts, it’s best to talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling so that they can advise next steps for treatment.

You’re not eating the right foods

Maintain a good balance of foods on your plate, avoid processed carbs, and focus on foods such as vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats such as oily fish and avocado.

This mixture of foods will help you sustain energy levels well into the day because the body digests it slower, which, in turn, slows the rise in blood sugar and reduces the inflammatory markers associated with fatigue.

You have a thyroid issue

The thyroid gland is a crucial gland that sits just below the larynx on the front of the neck. It’s a powerful organ responsible for many bodily functions, including keeping your heart and brain working efficiently to help your body regulate energy.

When balance is off and it’s not producing enough thyroid hormone, it causes a condition known as hypothyroidism, which can impact many of your body’s functions, including sleep.

If you have a thyroid issue, you’ll need medication to replace the hormone that your thyroid can no longer make, which is why you must visit your doctor if you’re feeling excessively fatigued.

You have anaemia

Anaemia is a condition where your blood has a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells or haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. And, if you have anaemia, your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood leading to symptoms of fatigue and excessive tiredness.

For some types of mild to moderate anaemia, your doctor may simply recommend that you take prescription iron supplements. But you also may need to take specific vitamins, undergo IV therapy, or take medicines that encourage your body to produce more red blood cells. It can also be beneficial to make dietary changes to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet.

If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, it’s essential to seek the advice of a medical professional to identify vitamin deficiencies and rule out any underlying health issues. The next step is to look at your diet to determine where your body might not be getting the nutrients it needs and then determine how best to address the issues.

Finding a balance that works for you can be tricky, so it may be helpful to work with a nutritionist to learn precisely how to overcome poor eating habits and embrace a more nutritious lifestyle through both diet and supplementation.

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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.