Why am I tired all the time is a question that so many people ask themselves. Do you feel like you’re always tired, no matter how much sleep you get? Fatigue can be frustrating and disruptive, affecting your mood, productivity, and quality of life.
While there may be various reasons why you’re feeling drained, here are some common factors that could be zapping your energy and what you can do about them.
Nutrient deficiencies can cause constant tiredness.
Nutrient deficiencies can also be a leading cause of constant tiredness. When the body is lacking essential vitamins and minerals, it can affect how the body functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue.
The most common nutrient deficiency known to cause fatigue is iron-deficiency anaemia, which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in the body due to low levels of iron. Other nutrients like vitamin D and B12 can also have a significant impact on energy levels.
It’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet and consider taking supplements if necessary to ensure you’re getting enough of these essential nutrients for optimal health and energy levels. Get in touch if you need guidance on this!
Insulin resistance
Insulin is a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance occurs when your body becomes less responsive to it. This can result in high blood sugar, low energy, and other health issues over time one of which is constant tiredness.
Diet plays a crucial role in managing insulin resistance, especially for women with PCOS. Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and drinks, white bread, and pasta, can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to insulin surges.
To combat insulin resistance, try to reduce your intake of processed and high-glycemic foods, and focus on whole foods that provide steady energy, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Sugar and tiredness
If you’ve ever experienced the mid-afternoon slump or felt tired after a sugary meal, you know first-hand how sugar can impact our energy levels. Fluctuating blood sugar and insulin levels can leave us feeling drained and lethargic, making it hard to stay focused and alert. One way to combat these effects is to cut back on refined sugars and grains.
This includes foods like white bread, pasta, rice, and sugary drinks or snacks. Instead, focus on incorporating minimally refined carbohydrates into your diet, like whole grains, sweet potatoes, or fruits like berries or apples.
It’s also important to balance your carbohydrate intake with sources of protein and healthy fats. This can help slow down the release of sugar into your bloodstream, reducing the immediate impact on your blood sugar levels. Try pairing a piece of fruit with a handful of nuts, or adding avocado or olive oil to your meals.
Too much caffeine
Ironically, one of the top reasons why you may be constantly feeling tired is due to consuming too much caffeine. While caffeine can give you a quick boost of energy, relying on it too heavily can actually backfire and leave you feeling drained in the long run and cause that constant tiredness. Over time, our bodies can develop a tolerance to caffeine, making it even harder to get the energy we need without it.
So, what can we do to break the cycle and reduce our caffeine intake? One approach is to start gradually cutting back. You don’t have to give up caffeine cold turkey – instead, try swapping out some of your caffeinated drinks for decaf or herbal teas. Infused water is another great option that can add flavour and hydration without the caffeine.
Stress can cause extreme tiredness
Chronic stress can be incredibly draining, leaving us feeling tired and overwhelmed much of the time. It’s like we’re constantly in survival mode, always on the lookout for potential threats or challenges.
If you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to take a step back and assess the root causes. What’s triggering your stress response? Are there any patterns or habits that are contributing to your feelings of anxiety or overwhelm?
Once you’ve identified the sources of your stress, it’s time to take action. Seek out professional help if necessary, and actively work on managing your stress levels on a daily basis. This could involve incorporating regular exercise into your routine, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. All the above could help you not having to ask that question – ‘why am I tired all the time’
Not enough water can also cause tiredness
Last but not least, dehydration can also be a sneaky culprit of fatigue. Your body needs water to function properly, including regulating your body temperature, transporting nutrients, and flushing out toxins. Even mild dehydration can lead to feelings of lethargy, headaches, and dizziness. To avoid dehydration, aim to drink enough water throughout the day, especially if you’re exercising, in a hot environment, or drinking alcohol, which can also dehydrate you.
I hope these tips have been helpful. If you’re still struggling with fatigue, feel free to reach out to me. I work with many clients to provide personalised guidance tailored to their individual needs.
