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Why Am I Always Tired?

By Sleep Health Energy Team · · Updated

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Contents

There are days when we all feel drained. However, when you become so accustomed to exhaustion, regardless of the amount of coffee you drink or the number of early nights you take, it can be annoying and even distressing.

Constant fatigue can be your body’s way of telling you that something else is going on. Here are some common reasons why you might always feel tired and what you can do about it.

Poor Sleep Habits

The quality of your sleep is just as important as the number of hours you get to sleep. Most adults need 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Some habits can deprive you of restorative rest. For instance:

  • The act of scrolling through your phone at night
  • Sleeping in a noisy room
  • Not going to sleep at the same time.

Do you always wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all? Perhaps you should establish a pre-sleep routine. First, limit screen time. Secondly, create a calm and relaxing environment in your bedroom.

Dehydration

Sometimes tiredness comes down to something as simple as not drinking enough water. Mild dehydration can leave you feeling:

  • Sluggish
  • Drowsy
  • Grumpy.

Here is a good tip: Have a bottle of water at hand and take sips through the day.

Watch your caffeine too. Coffee won’t fix ongoing fatigue, and too much caffeine can cause insomnia, which leaves you more tired the next day. Its effects can last four to six hours, so avoid it late in the day.

Stress And Mental Load

Stress does not exist in your head alone. It really takes its toll on your body. Work, family, and daily chores may have your nerves always on high alert mode, and you end up exhausted. When your brain seems like it is always heavy, set aside at least five minutes a day to:

  • Meditate
  • Journal
  • Simply breathe deeply.

This may help ease the burden and help you get back some of your energy. If stress, low mood or anxiety stay with you, talk to a health care provider.

Low Iron Levels

Low iron is a common and often missed cause of ongoing fatigue. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. When it is low, your muscles and organs do not get enough oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia can cause:

  • Profound fatigue
  • The sensation of breathlessness
  • Dizziness.

Only a blood test can confirm low iron, so see your doctor before taking iron pills. Too much iron can be harmful, and low iron can also signal blood loss that needs checking.

You can also eat more iron-rich foods. For instance:

  • Lean meat
  • Beans
  • Spinach
  • Fortified cereals.

Also, combine them with vitamin C to enhance absorption. Oral iron supplements are the usual treatment. If you can’t take iron by mouth, or your levels are very low, your doctor may decide whether you should get a Venofer IV for low iron.

This is a direct infusion of iron into your blood. IV iron is a prescription treatment given under medical supervision, and it can cause side effects, including allergic reactions, so it is not for everyone.

Pre-Existing Health Problems

Have you changed all the above, and you are still feeling tired? Fatigue can be a symptom of a medical condition or a side effect of a medicine. It could be:

  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Depression, etc.

If you have been feeling tired for several weeks, see your doctor for a checkup. They can ask about your sleep, diet and medicines and order lab tests to find the cause.

Summary

Constant tiredness is something that you should not overlook or simply endure. Your body is giving you signs that it is in need of care. Better sleep, hydration and stress management help many people, and a doctor can check for problems like low iron, thyroid disease or sleep apnea.

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