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Overcoming Tiredness and Fatigue
Why Am I Tired All the Time?There are many possible causes, from illness to stress, depression or sleep disordersFeeling tired might seem too trivial to bring up at a doctor’s visit, but do it anyway: fatigue can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. “It’s a challenge for both the doctor and patient to pin down the cause,” says family practitioner Brian Stello, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Your doctor will look at all your body systems and also any medications you’re taking, your lifestyle habits and the stress factors in your life.” What are some of the likely causes of that lack of energy?You may have a medical conditionTiredness can be a symptom of diabetes, thyroid disease, a virus, heart disease, kidney or lung problems, or (less commonly) anemia, or iron-poor blood. When disease is the cause of the problem, treating the condition makes the fatigue go away.Chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia also can make you weary because the pain they cause interrupts sleep, says rheumatologist Kerry Miller, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. And fibromyalgia alters hormonal cycles and disrupts your sleep pattern. The effects of both diseases are intensified by lack of sleep. You may be depressed“Fatigue can be both a cause and symptom of depression,” says psychiatrist Pushpi Chaudhary, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Lack of sleep can propel an anxious person into depression, and depressed people often have trouble falling or staying asleep. Others get too much sleep but never wake feeling rested and energized. As with other conditions, the fatigue usually disappears when depression is treated successfully.You may have a sleep disorderIf your doctor rules out other problems, he or she may refer you for a sleep study. Overnight, electronic monitors record your brain function, eye motions, heart rate and breathing. “Sleep apnea is the most common disorder we see,” says Stephanie Betz, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. People with this condition can stop breathing 100 times or more an hour, waking up each time and never getting enough rest. Apnea is readily treatable.Your lifestyle or medications may be the culpritStress, the wrong diet and not getting enough exercise can make you feel tired. So can some prescription and over-the-counter medications. And many people just don’t get enough sleep. “The fast pace of life forces them to give it a low priority,” Betz says, “and they develop a ‘sleep debt.’ Even if they sleep longer on weekends, they never really catch up.”Miller encourages his patients to follow common-sense procedures for getting a good night’s sleep. Avoid caffeine or vigorous exercise just before bedtime. Wind down by taking a warm bath. And if you’re getting enough sleep and still feel tired, do bring it up with your doctor! Want to Know More? Call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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