Tag: Sleep Disorders

Our previous article focused on what causes you to feel tired during the day. In this article, we expand on this problem by providing some additional reasons for daytime tiredness, the associated illnesses, and what you can do about it. Let’s dive in.

One of the most common reasons for feeling tired is sleep deprivation. Adults typically require seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, some individuals may not get enough sleep due to their busy schedules or other lifestyle factors. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause several health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Lack of sleep can also affect a person’s mood, cognitive functions, and overall quality of life. We all have felt this way at one time or another.

What Illnesses Cause Sleep Deprivation?

Sometimes, the issue may not be a lack of sleep but a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy are some of the common sleep disorders that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to poor-quality sleep. Restless leg syndrome occurs when a person experiences an uncomfortable sensation in their legs, making it difficult to fall asleep. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to sudden sleep attacks.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome concept vector illustration. iStock A common ailment among many people, and a good percentage don’t even know they have it; sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. When this happens, there could be a loss of oxygen in the brain. In addition, it can increase the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, not to mention the dangers of driving or handling machinery when you are not 100% awake. There are treatments for sleep apnea. The most common is the CPAP machine. It is a bulky, noisy mask that you put over your face while you sleep, but there are dental devices that can work just as well, and the latest technology is where a small device is inserted near your heart.

My Pilow, Your Bed

Another possible cause of fatigue is poor sleep quality. Even if a person gets the recommended amount of sleep, the quality of their sleep can be poor. Factors such as noise, an uncomfortable bed, and temperature can all impact the quality of your sleep. Medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and depression are some of the conditions that can cause chronic fatigue. Anemia is when the person has a low red blood cell count, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the body.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue and other symptoms. Depression is a mental health condition that can cause physical and emotional symptoms, including fatigue. Lack of exercise is another factor that can lead to chronic fatigue. Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and boost energy levels. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to reduced energy levels and increased risk of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

You Are What You Eat

Poor nutrition can also cause fatigue. A diet lacking nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium can lead to fatigue. Eating a healthy and balanced meal can help improve energy levels and overall health. Lastly, chronic stress can also cause fatigue. Chronic stress can cause physical and emotional symptoms, including fatigue. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to the depletion of the body’s energy reserves. In conclusion, feeling tired or fatigued can indicate an underlying health issue.

While there are several reasons why a person may feel tired all the time, the most common reasons include sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, poor sleep quality, medical conditions, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and chronic stress. It’s important to address chronic fatigue promptly as it can impact the person’s overall health and quality of life. Seeking professional medical advice and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help alleviate fatigue and improve overall health.