Why Am I So Tired? Looking Deeper Into the Possible Causes of Fatigue
This article was written by Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, a naturopathic doctor at Vitalia Naturopathic, a clinic in Vancouver, BC.
Have you seen a decrease in your energy? Is fatigue a common concern? Do you wind up pressing the snooze button a couple of times in the morning? Do you rely on caffeine for energy after you wake up? At night, would you say you are drained yet can’t seem to fall asleep?
The majority of us are likely answering YES to at least some of the questions above. Fatigue and low energy have turned into increasingly common concerns. It is one of the top ten most common health concerns raised by patients to their doctor..
Energy creation in the body is complicated and there are various justifications for why somebody might be encountering low energy. Let’s take a look at a couple of the potential reasons:
- Many people have been affected by chronic stress. The last few years have been particularly distressing, and many people may be feeling the effects of this stress right now. A change in hormonal levels may likewise influence our energy. Females might encounter exhaustion during perimenopause or menopause. Men might encounter fatigue when Testosterone levels decline.
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Thyroid hormones play a vital part in our digestion and energy creation. They give us the fuel we need to create energy. Our adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones interact and work together to create balance. When I work with patients to balance their hormones, I consider all three systems in order to support this intricate balance.
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Nutrient deficiencies and diet also influence our energy levels. While talking about fatigue with my patients, I will typically test iron, vitamin B12, and thyroid levels. A conversation about diet is significant as too high or too low blood sugar might influence energy levels.
Here are some scenarios and potential solutions for low energy levels::
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If you are tired when you wake up and continue to be tired throughout the day, consider having your iron, B12, and thyroid levels checked. Additionally consider how much rest you had the prior night and the nature of rest. I generally suggest at least 7 hours of rest.
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If you experience the midday rut of energy, consider the nature of your rest the prior night. Have you been told that you snore? Have you been tested for sleep apnea? Think of what you had for lunch. A meal that’s high in sugar or starches (white bread, pasta, white rice) may prompt low energy 1 after 2 hours. Consider choosing a meal balanced in protein, complex grains, and healthy fats instead. Lastly, chronic stress may also lead to afternoon fatigue. Consider testing your cortisol levels using a 4 point saliva Cortisol test to assess your cortisol level fluctuations throughout the day.
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At night do you experience issues nodding off? On the off chance that happens, Think about your caffeine consumption during the day. As a rule, I suggest staying away from caffeine after noon for individuals who might be slow metabolizers of caffeine. Practice good sleep hygiene. Stay away from gadgets before bed. Have a nice relaxing bath and try to clear your mind before bedtime. Supplements such as melatonin may also be helpful. For more sleep tips, be sure to take a look at this blog post.
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Changes in a woman’s hormones may also affect rest. Especially as progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, many experiences disrupted sleep or insomnia. Bio-identical Hormone replacement, particularly oral progesterone, may be very helpful in getting a good night’s sleep. The DUTCH pee chemical test, accessible at Vitalia Medical care, is a comprehensive assessment of sex hormones and stress hormones that I frequently use to gain a better understanding of a woman’s hormones and their possible impact on her symptoms including low energy.
There are various justifications for why you might be encountering low energy or tiredness. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your energy levels. At Vitalia Medical services, we take a comprehensive approach to your health, reviewing your personal health history and current symptoms. From an initial evaluation that may include testing, we can discuss treatment options to help you feel energized during the day and sleep better at night.
You can book an appointment at Vitality Naturopathic to help with your figure out why you are so tired.