Five reasons you feel tired all the time

We look at some common causes for feeling tired all the time.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our health and well-being. A recent study from the University of Rochester has revealed that during sleep our brain ‘cleans itself’ of toxins that would otherwise build up and potentially lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

But what if you aren’t getting enough sleep, or you feel tired all the time? The following causes could be worth looking into:

1. Dehydration

When we fail to drink enough water, our blood pressure drops which slows the delivery of oxygen to the brain. Understandably – this can lead us to feel incredibly tired. Ensure you are drinking between six and eight glasses of water-based drinks a day. We recommend a combination of fresh water and herbal teas to keep you awake and hydrated.

2. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland – which produces hormones to control sleepiness and hunger. When you suffer from hypothyroidism you may feel tired despite getting plenty of sleep and more hungry than normal. If you’re feeling sluggish but are getting lots of sleep – pop along to the doctors for a quick blood test to rule this out.

3. Alcohol consumption

While many people enjoy a glass of wine to help them drop off to sleep, the quality of sleep you get after drinking alcohol is poor. Alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle and prevents you from entering deep sleep. Try to have at least five alcohol free nights per week and see if this improves your sleeping habits.

4. Depression

When you are suffering from depression, you may find it difficult to get up and out of bed. If the temptation to stay in bed all day is overwhelming, you could benefit from speaking to someone about your feelings.

5. Mineral deficiency

Magnesium helps to maintain blood glucose levels and aid concentration. This means that when we don’t get enough, we often feel lethargic. Try to include magnesium-rich leafy vegetables and nuts in your diet or consider taking a supplement if you think you’re running low.

If you find it hard to get to sleep there are lots of complementary therapies that could help. Take a look at our therapy topics page to find out more.

View and comment on the original Womens Health article.