We live in a fast-paced world where we’re always looking to hustle, to be productive, and to lead a meaningful life. It is one of the reasons why many of us feel tired and fatigued all the time. But tiredness is a very subjective feeling, says Dr Paritosh Baghel, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim. Although common, if it occurs everyday, it could be due to an underlying cause. In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr Baghel shares some of the most common causes of waking up tired.
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Physical Causes Of Tiredness
According to a study published in the BMJ, fatigue, described as ‘an unpleasant physical, cognitive and emotional symptom described as a tiredness not relieved by common strategies that restore energy’, is a common symptom with prevalence rates varying between 4% and 45%.
Dr Baghel lists some of the physical causes of feeling tired:
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition that occurs in people with lower than normal Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin. Symptoms include lightheadedness, fatigue, pale skin colour, brittle nails, and more.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is caused when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, irregular menstrual periods, dry skin and more.
Vitamin deficiencies
Deficiency of essential vitamins can lead to tiredness and excessive fatigue. For instance, when your body does not get enough vitamin B12, you may feel fatigued and tired all the time. Similarly, vitamin A helps in muscle building and reducing muscle weakness, which is why deficiency in the vitamin can make you feel tired.
Obesity
Obesity can lead to tiredness by causing a situation called sleep apnoea syndrome, which leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and not feeling fresh at all.
Other underlying chronic diseases like COPD, Asthma or some heart diseases can predispose to tiredness. In addition, use of drugs or certain medications can be a reason for excessive tiredness, says Dr Baghel.
Also Read: Excessive Daytime Drowsiness Can Be A Sign Of Fatty Liver Disease: Other Symptoms To Watch Out For
Mental Causes Of Tiredness
Apart from physical causes, there can also be mental stressors that can make you feel tired.
Stress
Stress can cause fatigue, says Dr Baghel. According to a study published in the Journal BMC Psychiatry, fatigue was “significantly associated” with work-related stress in over 7000 working professionals.
Anxiety or Depressive disorder
According to Dr Baghel, anxiety can be a reason for tiredness, usually associated with feelings of fear, anhedonia, and lack of energy.
“Alcohol intake, smoking, and excess consumption of beverages such as tea, and coffee can also cause tiredness due to disturbed sleep patterns," the doctor said, adding, "Work schedules such as night shifts can also be a reason for tiredness.”
Bottomline
Feeling tired is not unusual. However, if it is persistent and lasts for long periods, then consulting a healthcare professional is of utmost importance. Although it can be commonly resolved by getting proper sleep, staying hydrated, and eating healthy foods, if there is an underlying cause, you may need an in-depth examination.
