If you don't get enough sleep, you know why you are tired. But we're not talking about that obvious solution here. Every now and then there are times when you tried so hard and you did it:you've had your full night's sleep. And yet, when you woke up and got to work, you were instantly exhausted. There are perfectly logical reasons why you feel this way, even after you've been well rested. It's likely that your lifestyle is robbing you of your energy without you even knowing it. Are you making any of these mistakes that will leave you exhausted for hours?
You blame yourself We constantly criticize ourselves, both out loud and in our head. It's time to stop the negative self-talk. Not only is it unproductive (and hurtful), it also leaves you exhausted. Not only mentally, but also physically.
You eat less carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the body's favorite source of energy. So when you cut back on carbs, you're literally robbing your body of the energizing food it craves. This can leave you feeling sluggish and drained, even after eating a big meal.
You are not drinking enough water
Every bodily function requires hydration. When you're dehydrated, the body slows down to try to keep that little reservoir. This "slow" feeling can be translated as sleepiness in your mind.
You drink before going to sleep Drinking alcohol before bedtime is an all too common blunder for insomniacs and night owls. The dose of alcohol may help put you to sleep, but it robs you of the precious quality of slumber.
You train too much
It doesn't matter how much sleep you get – if you overdo it, your body will be exhausted. Over-training, a workout where you fail to take days off from the gym and nearly exhaust yourself, is often revealed in chronic fatigue symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.
You have a fatigue-related disorder Both chronic fatigue syndrome and adrenal fatigue often go undiagnosed for this reason:people who believe their fatigue is normal or simply a symptom of lack of sleep. However, these conditions are debilitating and very real.
You have an iron deficiency
Anemia has a number of causes and can lead to intense feelings of weakness and fatigue. The deficiency is surprisingly common, especially in women in their menstrual cycle. This deficiency has a simple solution:just eat more iron.
You have an undiagnosed thyroid disorder Hormones can wreak havoc on your energy levels and your thyroid can destroy your hormones. There are a number of thyroid problems that you might experience and almost all of them have fatigue as a symptom. Go to the doctor for a blood test.
You have fear Mental health has so much control over physical health – including our energy levels. When a person is anxious, their adrenaline spikes. When the adrenaline runs out, it causes a crash that feels like fatigue.
You have fluctuating blood sugar levels
Ever heard of a sugar crash? When you eat a large amount of simple carbohydrates, your blood glucose rises. Then, as the body quickly processes the extra energy, you experience a crash. The rise and fall of blood sugar can be chaotic for your body and your energy, often leaving you feeling tired.
You refuse to eat before going to bed
Going to bed hungry can really put a damper on your sleep. Being hungry all night has been shown to cause multiple disturbances, derailing the quality of your rest. A snack before bed – preferably one that is low in sugar to keep your blood glucose more regular – can be a good idea if you feel your stomach rumbling.
You rely on caffeine Coffee wakes you up in the moment, but that jolt is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. In addition, the frequent caffeine can serve to exacerbate the problem and make your natural energy cycles worse. If you want to stay awake, try another alternative to coffee.
You skip breakfast
Food is, literally, fuel. If you don't fuel yourself, you will obviously crash. In addition, skipping breakfast makes you snack and/or eat junk food later in the day – two common causes of fatigue.
You spend too much time indoors
Office jobs and whole days indoors can be harmful to a person's health, including their energy levels. Sitting all day makes you sleepy, and it turns out the lack of fresh air doesn't do you any good either.
You use technology before going to sleep
Watching Netflix before bed does more than just keep track of a new episode. Looking at the computer or other screen appears to disrupt the production of melatonin, an important sleep hormone. It's not just computers. TVs, telephones, and even electronic reading devices all emit harsh light that disrupts your sleep.
You are depressed
No, feeling a little sad won't affect your sleep. But clinical depression does. Depression can cause insomnia, sleep disturbances and feelings of low energy during the day.
You are disorganized
Ten minutes of cleaning can save you hours of exhaustion! Studies show that clutter and chaotic environments limit your brain's ability to focus; you will have to work harder to pay attention to everything that is going on throughout the day. The extra effort adds up and can cause mental exhaustion.
You are on a diet A calorie deficit is by definition a lack of energy in your body. If you limit the calories you eat, you also limit the energy you have. Of course, overeating can also lead to a decrease in energy. The best way to eat is the way that works for you and your hunger.
You sit too much Rest can be helpful sometimes, but if all you ever do is rest, it can have consequences. Living a sedentary lifestyle causes sluggishness and resistance to movement over time.
You've had to make some big decisions lately
Making decisions burns calories. If you have a day when you have a lot, take some extra time to rest. You're probably feeling burned out from all that extra brainpower.
