Stop Running On Empty - 6 Common Fatigue Causes You Can Fix

Most of us have resigned ourselves to living lives driven by drooping lids, constant yawning and a distant desire to spend more time in bed. However, the truth is that the causes of your constant fatigue may be simpler, and easier to fix than you might think. Whether you're feeling constantly lethargic during the day, your calves constantly ache in spite of calf compression therapy, or you struggle to get the right quality of sleep at night - your exhaustion could be a sign that you're suffering from a range of different problems that are relatively straightforward to address.

Fatigue, for most people, is a personalized experience that can be altered by a range of different factors - from what you eat every day, to what you do with your time. Since there's a number of reasons why you could feel as though you're running on empty, it's often a good idea to speak to your doctor about your condition, for individual advice.

In the meantime, however, understanding common fatigue causes could give you the inspiration you need to figure out why you're so tired, and what you might be able to do to fix it.

Common Fatigue Causes You Can Fix

1.    You're Anemic


Anemia takes place when your body fails to produce the right amount of red blood cells - or the cells that you do have aren't packed with enough iron. The lack of rich blood in your body can quickly make you feel weak, tired, and generally run down - meaning that you're more prone to periods of fatigue. Though iron deficiency is often the most common source of anemia, other causes might include sluggish bone marrow, heavy periods, vitamin B12 deficiency, and lack of folate in your diet.

If you have anemia, your doctor might suggest taking an iron supplement, or putting more iron-rich foods into your diet - such as cooked beans, fish, and poultry.

2.    You're Insulin-Resistant


If you suffer from insulin resistance, then you'll struggle to get sugar and glucose through your system, and no amount of calf compression therapy will help your aching muscles. Since your cells won't absorb blood sugar, energy can't be transferred throughout the body - leading to feelings of fatigue, confusion, and more.

Insulin resistance can be difficult to recognize by yourself, so it's important to get a fasting glucose test from your doctor during a routine checkup. If your levels of fasting glucose are typically higher than normal, this could be a sign that you suffer from insulin resistance, and may indicate that you need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

3.    Your Thyroid is Damaged


Your thyroid is the gland in your neck that controls the way numerous organs throughout your body function - including the skin, kidneys, liver, heart, and brain. When your thyroid levels are low, it will affect your energy levels by creating chemical reactions that have an impact on your pulse, blood pressure, chemical pathways, and even bowel movements.

If you explain your symptoms - including the fatigue - to your doctor, and tell him or her that you've been feeling tired lately, they may suggest a thyroid test. If a problem is found, it will often be treated using daily medication.

4.    You're Depressed


When the chemicals dopamine, and serotonin aren't properly balanced in your brain, they can impact your energy and sleep levels. The hormone responsible for regulating sleep - melatonin - is a byproduct of serotonin, which means that if you don't have enough, you could struggle to sleep as you should. Depression also impacts every aspect of your life - including your everyday energy levels.

If you notice that you struggle to take pleasure in the things that you used to enjoy, alongside symptoms of fatigue - speak to your doctor about the possibility that you could be suffering from depression. If they believe your chemical levels are off, they might prescribe anti-depressant medications to boost your feel-good factor.

5.    You're Pushing Yourself Too Hard


Perhaps one of the most common fatigue causes is overworking. Many people simply push themselves too far at work, at the gym, or at home. Though most of us are living relatively hectic lives that require a lot of hard work and energy, that doesn't mean that you should never give your body a chance to rest, recuperate, and get back on track.

Make sure you fuel your body properly, use calf compression therapy to boost recovery, and remember to take breaks regularly. Sleep for at least eight hours every night, and try to go to bed at the same time to maintain your internal clock. Also, ensure you give your body plenty of calories when you're training or working out on a regular basis, so that you can charge up your training energy.

6.    You Have Allergies


Finally, allergies are a common culprit when it comes to figuring out common fatigue causes. In fact, fifty million Americans are currently suffering from some form of allergy. Allergies aren't just a pesky irritation that cause your eyes to water or your nose to run - they can also take a serious toll on your energy levels with congestion has an impact on your breathing, or your ability to sleep through the night.

The best way to fix an allergy issue is to first figure out what's causing it, so you can look into avoiding the problem. If the issue is an indoor allergen such as dust mites or pet dander, then simply cleaning your home might be able to help. On the other hand, if you suffer from outdoor allergens such as mold spores and pollens, you might be best served by an over-the-counter medicine.

Don't be Sick and Tired!


Exhaustion is a common part of a hectic life - and let's face it, a lot of us are dealing with various stresses on a daily basis that could leave us feeling run down. However, if your sleepiness could be a sign of one of the situations outlined above, you might be able to fix it easily - and regain your energy in no time!


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