- Pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, anxiety, iron deficiency, and sleep apnea can cause unnatural tiredness.
- Risk factors include chronic conditions or lifestyle choices that affect the body’s functioning.
- Preventing unnatural tiredness starts with establishing healthy sleep habits, regularly exercising, and being mindful of your diet.
- Treatment of unnatural tiredness involves identifying the underlying cause and may include medication, dietary changes, or behavioral modifications.
- Investing in your well-being can help you enjoy a more energized and productive life.
Have you ever experienced an unnatural level of tiredness or fatigue that does not seem to be caused by lack of sleep or physical exertion? This feeling can be all too common for many people and a sign of an underlying health issue.
Unnatural tiredness is not a normal part of life and can significantly impact your functioning ability. Here are the risk factors, causes, and prevention of abnormal tiredness.
Risk Factors
Specific demographics have a higher likelihood of experiencing unnatural tiredness and fatigue. These may include individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as chronic pain, depression, or anxiety disorders. Some of the common risk factors are:
Diabetes – A silent contributor to fatigue
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot use sugar properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a host of complications, including fatigue. This is because high blood sugar levels disrupt the normal functioning of the body and cause damage to the nerves and organs.
As such, consulting a diabetes management specialist is vital to control and manage your diabetes properly. Treatments may vary but typically include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Anxiety – The psychological cause of exhaustion
Anxiety is a state of constant worry, fear, or nervousness, which can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Anxiety disorders are prevalent today and can manifest in different ways, from panic attacks to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety can cause overstimulation of the nervous system, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
An anxious mind is also tireless, as constant worrying and rumination can drain your mental energy. If you feel excessively anxious and exhausted, seeking professional help and treatment may be time.
Iron Deficiency – A common but overlooked cause of tiredness
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to our cells. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, leading to anemia.
Anemia can cause tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath, even with minimal physical activity. Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent, especially in women, due to heavy menstrual bleeding and poor dietary choices. If you suspect that iron deficiency may be causing your fatigue, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test and supplementing your iron intake.
Sleep Apnea – The silent sleep disruptor
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs due to a blockage in the airway, usually caused by relaxed throat muscles or excess weight. Sleep apnea can disrupt our sleep cycles, leading to poor-quality sleep and daytime fatigue.
You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and feel excessively tired during the day. Doctors can diagnose sleep apnea and recommend treatment options, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
When to See the Doctor
Of course, getting checked by the doctor if you are feeling unusually tired and fatigued is always a good idea. Your doctor will do a physical examination review your medical history and ask relevant questions about your lifestyle habits. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for any underlying medical conditions causing fatigue.
Prevention Tips
Prevention of unnatural tiredness starts with establishing healthy sleep habits. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Getting enough exercise can also help you sleep well and feel more energized during the day.
Being mindful of your diet is another important preventative measure. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent snoring or sleep apnea.
Treatment
If you’ve been experiencing unnatural fatigue impacting your daily life, it is essential to see your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of your fatigue and develop a treatment plan. Depending on the cause, treatment may include medication, dietary changes, or behavioral modifications.
Final Thoughts
Unnatural tiredness is a common problem but is also treatable and preventable. You can enjoy a more energized and productive life by establishing healthy sleep habits, being mindful of your diet and exercise routine, and seeking medical care if necessary. If you have concerns about your level of tiredness or fatigue, speak with your healthcare provider to address the underlying cause. Investing in your well-being can pay dividends in your future quality of life.
