Exhaustion: A Health Indicator

 

Exhaustion: A Health Indicator

We often blame hectic schedules and busy lifestyles for our exhaustion, and most of the time, they really are to blame. But if you usually live a healthy lifestyle and get six to eight hours of sleep on a nightly basis, it can leave you wondering why you’re still tired.

If getting an adequate amount of sleep, trimming your social calendar, eating healthier, taking multivitamins, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol fail to eradicate the symptoms of fatigue, then you may be in need of professional help.

Excess exhaustion could be a health warning indicating a serious medical condition. The following are three of the most common conditions you must know about.

1. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep-disrupting problem that many are unaware of, usually because it happens during deep sleep. If you wake up feeling like you were up all night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Brief interruptions of breathing characterize this disorder. During sleep, your airway passage closes or collapses for a few seconds, which, in turn, alerts your brain to wake you up to breathe. Someone with sleep apnea may stop breathing dozens or possibly hundreds of times a night.

Snoring signals sleep apnea and is followed by tiredness the following day. Since sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.

2. Anemia

People with anemia lack red blood cells which may often cause them to experience episodes of weakness and shortness of breath. The triggers of anemia include an iron or vitamin deficiency, internal bleeding, blood loss, or chronic diseases such as cancer or kidney failure. Women are especially susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia because of blood loss during the menstrual cycle, and the body’s need for more iron during pregnancy.

The constant feeling of exhaustion is a major symptom of anemia. Other symptoms include insomnia, lack of concentration, heart palpitation, chest pain, and headache.

3. Thyroid Disease

With thyroid disease, even activities that require little to no physical effort can drain you. The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck, produces hormones that control your metabolism. Too much thyroid hormone, otherwise known as hyperthyroidism, speeds up metabolism, while too little thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism slows down metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism causes muscle fatigue and weakness, especially in the thighs. Leg exercises such as climbing and bike riding become increasing difficult once diagnosed with the disease. Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, increased heart rate, irregular menstrual flows, and a dry throat.

Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, inability to concentrate, and muscle soreness with no reason. Heavier and more frequent menstrual flows, constipation, weight gain, as well as experiencing colds and chills are also symptoms of hypothyroidism.

A Final Word

You might think that a hangover or an insanely busy schedule could be the culprit behind your lethargy, but the real reason for your exhaustion may be one of these serious health problems. If you are constantly feeling tired, consult your doctor for apt resolutions and treatment recommendations.