Trivia 5 Reasons You Feel Tired All the Time, According to Doctors

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FATIGUE MAY BE COMMON, BUT IT ISN'T NECESSARILY NORMAL. HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT​

1. Your diet is taking a toll​

Since food is fuel, it shouldn't come as a shock that your diet can have a profound effect on your energy levels. "Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to fatigue," explains Nicholas Dragolea, MBBS, a UK-based doctor who works with You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.. "These foods can cause blood sugar fluctuations and lack the essential nutrients the body needs to function efficiently, leading to feelings of tiredness," he adds.

However, being overly restrictive in your diet—either nutritionally or calorically—can also leave you running on empty, especially if you develop a vitamin deficiency. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, a You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now., says that in particular, vitamin B12 deficiencies tend to cause fatigue and weakness. "This can be especially common in vegans or vegetarians, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products," he tells Best Life.

2. You have a vitamin D deficiency​

Vitamin D deficiencies can also have an effect on your energy levels, experts say. In fact, "studies show that 42 percent of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D," says Kathryn Werner, MPAS, PA-C, a physician's assistant who works in psychiatry for You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now..

"Levels of vitamin D that are lower than optimal can contribute to feelings of fatigue, poor sleep, feelings of sadness, and a host of other concerns," she says, adding that a simple blood draw can reveal if you're deficient. "While dietary Vitamin D and light exposure can be helpful, most people with Vitamin D deficiency require supplementation to maintain optimal levels."

3. You're not exercising enough​

Another common cause of chronic fatigue is a lack of exercise—meaning you may be able to improve your symptoms by getting up and moving more often.

"A lack of physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and low energy levels," explains Dragolea. "Engaging in regular exercise can help improve circulation, boost mood, and increase overall energy levels, combating fatigue."

4. Drugs and alcóhol are interrupting your sleep​

Using drugs and alcóhol, even in moderation, can have a depressant effect on the nervous system. "Many people think that a little nightcap will help them sleep soundly through the night. Although alcóhol's sedative effects can make you drowsy, they also have other effects that can interfere with quality sleep," write experts from Harvard Health Publishing.

They explain that hours after drinking, alcóhol can raise the body's level of the stress hormone epinephrine. This raises your heart rate, making you more likely to wake up throughout the night. "Indeed, alcóhol may account for 10 percent of cases of persistent insomnia," they note.

5. You have a mood disorder​

Sometimes, having a mood disorder such as depression can make you feel tired. "Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact energy levels, leading to fatigue. Mental health disorders may cause disturbances in sleep, appetite, and mood, which can all contribute to feelings of exhaustion," says Dragolea. In fact, a 2018 study published in the medical journal CNS Drugs points out that over 90 percent of patients with major depressive disorder You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. as a symptom.

Besides fatigue or insomnia, other symptoms of depression include a feeling of persistent sadness or hopelessness, a lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy, lack of concentration, and more. Speak with your doctor or mental health provider if you believe your fatigue could be the result of a mood disorder.


(s) bestlifeonline