5 Underlying Issues That Could be Causing Your Fatigue

Are you catching yourself nodding off multiple times a day? Do you wake up in the morning and feel like you instantly need a nap? You’re not alone. In 2015, two out of five of American’s reported being exhausted for most of every week. Although there are many factors that contribute to tiredness, here are five you may want to consider:

You’re lacking in the sun department

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin because your body creates it when your skin is exposed to the sun. To combat vitamin D deficiency, your doctor might prescribe you supplements or suggest you spend a set amount of time in direct sunlight each day to get the amount you need.

Related: Why Sleep Is Important at Any Age

You unknowingly have a sleep disorder

Research shows that over 50 million Americans suffer from over 80 different sleep disorders, and many of those disorders go undiagnosed and untreated. Sleep deprivation can impact both your physical and mental health. If you are trying to solve the mystery of why you’re feeling unrested even after going to bed at a decent hour, consider these common signs of sleep disorders:

• You have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• You fall asleep suddenly during the day

• You snore or stop breathing when sleeping

• You have restless legs while sleeping or trying to sleep

If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to consider seeing your doctor to discuss related causes.

You are a couch potato

If you find it hard to stay awake on the job, it might be a sign that your body wants exercise. Studies show that regular exercise helps you sleep better and releases endorphins that give your body energy.

You have a chronic condition

Fatigue may be a symptom of underlying chronic illnesses like diabetes, endometriosis, Hashimoto’s disease, coeliac disease, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and even a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome. Watch for these symptoms in addition to chronic fatigue:

• feeling cold often

• chronic pain

• muscle aches

• weight gain or weight loss

• thinning hair

• digestive issues

Be sure you are tracking your symptoms so that you can discuss them with your doctor.

Related: Why Sleep Is Important for Weight Loss

You are feeling extra worried

Take a moment to pay attention to how your body feels. Do you feel tension in your shoulders? Has your stomach felt uneasy more than normal? Do your muscles ache? Now for the next question—how are your stress levels? Anxiety and stress can be a major factor when it comes to energy. If you have been feeling extra anxious or stressed out, take some time to practice self-care. Take a warm bath, read a good book, take a mental health day from work, or go for a walk to disconnect.

If your fatigue persists, consider seeing your doctor to help determine causes and ways to improve your restfulness.