Can’t Sleep?

Img c/o Pixabay

Img c/o Pixabay

Could it be that you can’t sleep because of what you’re eating and daytime fatigue? Let’s check out some of the 15 reasons that might be happening, dealing with fatigue causes.

  1. Not Enough Sleep. This is the most obvious, but too little sleep can negatively affect your concentration and health. Keep a regular schedule and ban those devices from your bedroom.
  2. Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea gets in the way of your sleep as it briefly stops your breathing throughout the night and wakes you for a moment. You are still sleep-deprived from 8 hours of sleep, if this is the case.
  3. Not Enough Fuel. If you eat the wrong foods it can be a problem, but eating too much causes fatigue. Stick to a balanced diet to keep your blood sugar in a normal range and that sluggish feeling gone. Try small daily snacks.
  4. Anemia. A leading cause of fatigue in women is Anemia. Menstrual blood loss can cause an iron deficiency, putting women at risk. Take iron supplements and eat iron-rich foods.
  5. Depression. Depression contributes to many physical symptoms other than just an emotional disorder. Fatigue, loss of appetite and headaches are among symptoms. Talk therapy and/or medication for this condition.
  6. Hypothyroidism. This is a gland at the base of your neck, which controls your metabolism. Metabolism is the speed at which your body converts fuels into energy. If the gland is underactive and metabolism functions too slowly, you may feel sluggish and put on weight. Synthetic hormones can help this.
  7. Caffeine Overload. Alertness and concentration can be improved with caffeine, however, too much can increase heart rate, clog pressure and cause jitteriness.
  8. Gradually cut back on coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks. Suddenly stopping caffeine can cause withdrawal and more fatigue.
  9. Hidden UTI. You are most likely familiar with the burning pain and sense of urgency with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Fatigue may be the only sign and a urine test can quickly confirm a UTI and get you a prescription for antibiotics.
  10. Diabetes. Abnormally high levels of sugar remain in the bloodstream instead of entering the body’s cells and the body runs out of steam. Exercise, insulin therapy and a change in diet along with medications can help the body process the sugar.
  11. Dehydration. Fatigue can be a sign of dehydration. Your body needs water to work well and keep cool. Drink water throughout the day to keep your urine light colored and be sure to drink throughout your workout and after.
  12. Heart Disease. If fatigue strikes during normal activity, it can be a sign that your heart is no longer up to the job. Lifestyle changes, medication and therapeutic procedures can get heart disease under control.
  13. Working difference shifts at work can disrupt your internal clock as well and leave you tired when you need to be awake. Limit your exposure to daylight when you need to rest.
  14. Food Allergies. Some believe that hidden food allergies can make you sleepy. If it intensifies after meals, you could have a mild intolerance to something you are eating. Try eliminating foods one at a time to see if your fatigue improves.
  15. CFS and Fibromyalgia. If fatigue lasts more than 6 months and severe enough you can’t manage your daily activities, chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia are a possibility. There’s no quick fix but changing the daily schedule might help.

The solution for mild fatigue might be exercise. Research suggests healthy but tired adults can get a significant energy boost from a modest workout and sleep better at night. Try riding a bike to fight fatigue. With exercise and other changes to combat the above causes of fatigue, you might find a better night of sleep.