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Why Am I Always so Dang Tired?

Does your mind feel foggy? Do you feel as though no amount of caffeine is going to help you get through this day? Well, there are actually some good explanations for why you may be feeling so tired.

Not getting enough sleep: The first and most obvious reason is that you're not getting enough sleep. A normal adult should sleep at least 8 hours a night, so if you're getting less than this it's possible that you're not sleeping as much as you should. And your quality of sleep is also important.

Not eating a balanced diet or exercising: Without the right nutrients, your body cannot function to its full potential. You need to eat a balanced diet with a mixture of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein, and ensure that you get regular exercise.

Iron deficiency: A lack of iron in your blood could result in anemia. Iron transports oxygen in the blood, and when there is too little present in the body, it results in symptoms such as weakness and dizziness. Anemia is actually pretty common, with the NHS reporting that it affects 1 in 20 men and postmenopausal women. However, it is even more common in pregnant women and women who experience heavy periods.

Diabetes: According to Prevention, every year "more than a million people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes" but many are not even aware that they are living with it. We need glucose for energy, however, people with type 2 diabetes are unable to break down the glucose properly, which results in a buildup in the blood.

Underactive thyroid: The thyroid is a gland that can be found in your neck and produces the hormone thyroxine which is responsible for helping your body to regulate your energy usage. However, if you have too little thyroxine this will cause you to feel tired and is often accompanied by aching muscles and weight gain.

Depression: Depression affects our minds and our bodies in many different ways, but some of the more common symptoms include altering our sleeping patterns, as well as problems with concentration and memory, and decreased energy levels.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: If you constantly feel tired for a prolonged period of time it could be caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a complicated and severe disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, the cause of this disorder is unknown, but many theories about it suggest that it could be linked to psychological stress or a viral infection.

Of course, there are many other reasons that could be the cause of your tiredness, and if your symptoms prolong it's advisable to seek the expertise of a medical professional.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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