5 reasons you might be feeling tired

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Feeling like you’ve run out of energy? Waking up exhausted in the morning? There are many reasons you might be feeling tired and here are five of the most likely culprits.

Anaemia

A diet low in iron can lead to anaemia.  This results in blood less oxygen being delivered via your blood around your body, making you feel tired. A simple blood test can determine if you have anaemia. Iron supplements and eating foods rich in iron can help reduce the effects of anaemia by increasing the amount of iron within your body.

Poor Nutrition

We need the right balance in our diet to fuel our body and our mind. Eating and drinking less sugar and fat and focusing on healthy food and drink options will give us energy to do more in our lives. Eating healthily gives us the energy to spend with our grandchildren, reduce stress and sleep better. The flow on effect to our health of lower high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack risk, and intolerance to certain foods is a bonus too!

Depression

There’s more to depression than just feeling down. Anxiety is a common side effect, such as worrying about your partner, money and housing situation. Other symptoms of depression include insomnia, oversleeping, changes in appetite, poor motivation to do things you used to love doing, low self worth or guilt, and difficulty concentrating. To tackle depression, talking with your GP or a trusted friend are your first port of call.

Side Effects of Medication

Many medications can make you feel drowsy. I’s important to know exactly what you are taking, and what side effects you may have before you take it. If your medication is affecting your sleep, you should contact your doctor to explore alternative medications that can still treat your ailment, but without the poor sleep side effect.

Lack of Sleep

This may seem obvious, but it is so important that we get enough sleep especially as we get older. It now takes us longer to recover, and we just can’t do what we did when we were younger. Napping during the day is common as sleeping throughout the night can now be challenging. Where possible, work to reduce sleep apnoea and noise. Keep your bedroom dark, with clean sheets, a comfortable pillow and a comfortable room temperature.

How is your sleep now you are getting older? What tips and tricks do you have to increase your energy levels?