Feeling like you can’t do one more thing because you’re too tired? Can’t take another step? Can’t keep your eyes open even when you’re having a good time? Sure…everyone gets tired once in a while. But, I’m not talking about “once in a while.” I’m talking about being tired, feeling exhausted, most, if not all, of the time.
If this is exactly how you’ve been feeling lately, give yourself two to three weeks of positive, lifestyle changes. Give yourself more sleep time, say ‘No’ to social commitments that don’t matter to you, eat more wholesome foods, drink more water, drink less caffeine/alcohol and take a multivitamin (B complex). If these few weeks routine of “healthy” living does the trick, excellent. If not and you’re still overly tired, consider seeing a doctor to get checked out and, more importantly, rule out these seven common problems:
- Anemia – This condition is caused by a lack/decreased amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and cells. Not enough red blood cells can lead to being tired all the time, extreme weakness, difficulty sleeping and/or concentrating, rapid heartbeat, headache, etc. A complete blood count (CBC) is the appropriate test.
- Thyroid – This gland produces hormones to control the metabolism. Too much production (hyperthyroidism) and the metabolism speeds up; too little (hypothyroidism) and the metabolism slows down. Again, a simple blood test is warranted here. Thyroid malfunctioning is very easy to treat.
- Diabetes – Over 1million people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year. Blood sugar/blood glucose is the fuel that keeps the body going. If levels are too low, fatigue hits along with excessive thirst, hunger, irritability, etc. There are 2 tests to measure glucose levels.
- Depression – This is more than “the blues.” Millions of people experience depression at some point(s) during their lifetimes and it is imperative that depression is diagnosed properly. Although there is no one test, competent medical/psychological professionals are able to diagnose and, usually, treat depression effectively. Do not be quiet about depression!
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Early diagnosis is difficult for this autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joint tissues and bones. Fatigue, joint/tissue stiffness and/or bone erosion are often prevalent symptoms. A skilled specialist is appropriate for both diagnosis and treatment.
- Chronic Fatigue – This strange and perplexing condition has no known cause and is becoming more and more prevalent. Symptoms include fatigue, tender lymph nodes, join/muscle pain, etc.
- Sleep Apnea – This potentially dangerous condition is a pattern of breathing interruptions caused upper by airways in the throat, sinuses and lungs collapsing for a few seconds at a time. Symptoms include fatigue (as breathing interruptions tell the brain to wake the person to breath normally) regardless of how much sleep you’ve had, and snoring. Diagnosis is done in sleep clinics to monitor sleep patterns over night. There are various treatment options.
