Why do you always feel tired even though you get enough sleep?

You get enough sleep but still feel tired. What's going on?

Need to determine the cause of your fatigue - Photo: Arab News

According to The New York Times, fatigue and sleepiness due to chronic exhaustion are common, but completely treatable.

Are you really getting enough sleep?

Dr. Shannon Sullivan, a sleep medicine specialist at Stanford University, says it’s important to determine what’s causing your fatigue. It may be that your sleep habits need some tweaking. But it’s also possible that there are health issues or medications that could be the cause.

The good news is, there are ways to identify and treat the source of your fatigue, and this often helps you feel better.

The first thing you should do is take a look at your sleep habits, suggests Dr. Sullivan. Have you changed your sleep schedule recently? Are you stressed? If not, you may need to improve your sleep habits.

Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep each night (some people need more), and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Just like a baby’s nap, your sleep will be better with consistency, says Dr. Sullivan.

If you typically drink coffee in the afternoon or wine in the evening, try skipping it. Avoid using your phone or snacking right before bed. All of these habits can reduce the quality of your sleep. Meal timing is also important. Try to eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before bed.

In any case, if you're having trouble sleeping, see your doctor, recommends Kara Dupuy-McCauley, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic.

A sleep specialist can help improve your sleep habits. They will also ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history to determine if there are other factors causing your fatigue.

Could you be suffering from a sleep disorder?

Sleep disorders are common, says Dr. Dupuy-McCauley, and can leave you feeling sleepy during the day. If you have one, your doctor may consider a number of possibilities.

First is insomnia. About 30% of adults worldwide have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leaving them feeling rested and having trouble concentrating.

Insomnia can be a short-term problem caused by stress or jet lag, but if it happens at least three times a week for three months or longer, you may have chronic insomnia. Treatment will depend on the cause, but cognitive behavioral therapy is often more effective than medication.

Another common disorder is sleep apnea. Some people have no obvious symptoms, while others may snore, wake up short of breath, or feel sleepy during the day. If left untreated, severe cases can lead to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Finally, there is restless legs syndrome, characterized by an uncomfortable feeling in the legs and the need to move. Symptoms are often worse in the evening and occur when you are resting, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Foot massage and reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help improve symptoms.

Other causes of fatigue

Fatigue, lethargy, or lack of energy can have many different causes, says Dr. Sullivan. Some factors your doctor may consider include hormonal imbalances and vitamin or mineral deficiencies—deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, or B12 can cause fatigue, especially if you're a vegetarian or menstruating.

Additionally, chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, digestive issues, or post-COVID-19 fatigue can all make you tired. Finally, some medications like antidepressants and antihistamines have side effects that make you feel sleepy.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tai-sao-luc-nao-ban-cung-cam-thay-met-moi-du-ngu-du-20241205104847139.htm