(Akiit.com) Are you feeling exhausted but can’t put your finger on what the problem is? Being tired is your body’s way of telling you that you need to take some kind of action. In some cases, you’ll just need to make sure that you get a little extra sleep, or address your issues regarding goal fatigue – but in others, it’s worth taking a closer look at your general health and lifestyle. Here’s what could be making you feel so worn out…
- Thyroid issues
You could have thyroid problems without knowing anything about it. An underactive thyroid and a condition known as hypothyroidism can both make you feel tired and lacking in energy. If you suspect that there are issues with your thyroid, go to see your doctor – who can perform simple tests to check its function, and give treatment when needed.
- Low iron
If you don’t have enough iron in your blood, you might have anaemia. This condition can make you feel super tired for no apparent reason, and you’re more at risk of developing it if you are a vegetarian or if you are a woman who suffers from heavy periods. To check if this is the cause of your tiredness, you’ll need to get a mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration test, or MCHC blood test. If your test shows that you’re anaemic, a course of iron supplements and an overhaul of your diet should clear things up.
- Sleep apnoea
You don’t have to be a loud snorer to have sleep apnoea, a condition where you stop breathing at various points during your sleep. If this is happening, you can wake up feeling exhausted even when you’ve been in bed all night – so check with your doctor if you’re in any doubt, there is treatment available.
- Not enough potassium
If you are deficient in potassium, you will be lacking in energy and feel generally lethargic. If you think this is a likely cause of your tiredness, make an effort to include more potassium rich foods in your diet. Examples of these kinds of foods are: bananas, berries, spinach, avocados, and carrots.
- Too much sleep
While not enough sleep is going to leave you feeling tired, too much can do the same thing. You should be sleeping for between seven and nine hours each night – if you’re tucked up for longer than that, you’re likely to experience low energy levels. If you feel compelled to sleep for as long as possible, make sure that you investigate some of the potential causes of this – such as depression and anxiety.
You don’t have to put up with feeling exhausted all the time – and there could be a relatively simple solution to your problem. If you’ve got a healthy diet, and take regular exercise, and there is no obvious cause of your tiredness – go and see your doctor. He will be able to give you a thorough check-up and help you to find a solution. Feeling low and sleepy can affect your life in so many ways – so you owe to yourself to sort it out.
Staff Writer; Sherry Moore