“I’m so tired”

“I’m so tired.”

There are plenty of reasons you could be feeling tired.

Maybe it is a result of stress, you are getting sick, or a health condition.

Sleepiness is a lack of alertness. You could fall asleep quickly if given the opportunity to nap.

Tiredness is a lack of energy caused by inadequate sleep or other health factors. This makes it difficult to complete things at home or work.

People experiencing too much sleepiness may have a sleep disorder. Those dealing with fatigue could be dealing with a sleep disorder or an underlying medical issue.

Time to seek medical help? A noticeable change in energy levels? Physicians will want to know when your fatigue started. Was there a new job? The loss of a loved one? Other stressors?

What is your diet and fitness habits? Deficiencies in the following nutrients have been linked to fatigue:

Iron

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D

Vitamin C

Magnesium

Any mood changes? Poor sleep habits? Mental health concerns? Some prescriptions can contribute to fatigue.

One common cause of fatigue is anemia, a low red blood cell count. This can result from bleeding, inadequate iron intake or the body’s inability to properly absorb iron. A blood test can determine anemia.

In my experience, my heart failed slowly over 20 years. I had chronic fatigue. I was on a heart and lung machine for three hours while the surgeon removed my mitral valve and gave me a pig valve replacement (I still eat pork, is this an ethical problem?).

Women who are in their menstruating years may also experience fatigue as their hormones change. Fatigue can become worse right before menopause.

Another cause of tiredness is a virus or infection.

Common causes of sleepiness or tiredness are insufficient sleep, insomnia and sleep apnea. Other disorders that could also cause drowsiness are narcolepsy or sleepwalking during the night.

While adults are advised to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it’s important to listen to your body.

Consistency is important, especially when it comes to the time you fall asleep and wake up. Irregular sleep patterns can disturb your body’s natural rhythm.

Avoid sleeping with the TV on or allowing pets to come in and out of your room.

Getting enough sunlight, especially in the morning, helps regulate your body.

Have a restful week, friends.

By the way, I stopped drinking alcohol completely. I save money and feel better.

Richard Baker

Retired in Dumaguete