Aging is a lot of things, but feeling tired all the time shouldn't be one of them. You may feel tired from time to time. You may lose vibrancy due to low energy levels. You may even start taking afternoon naps. All these things are normal. However, if you feel tired all the time and not even sleep can alleviate it, then there may be a cause for concern. If the constant fatigue persists for weeks, then seek medical assistance. There are times when fatigue is a sign of illness or an underlying health condition. That said, the following could be the reasons why you are tired all the time:
Feeling tired often might be a sign of vitamin deficiency in your diet. For example, it could be a result of lower levels of Vitamin B-12 or Vitamin D. Also, a lack of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron can lead to fatigue. Knowing how aging can affect the digestion and absorption process, as well as performing regular blood check-ups, are important.
It will help you know in advance the nutrients your body lacks and how to supplement them. Often, your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements to compensate for the nutrients your body lacks. Alternatively, you can consume foods rich in these vitamins and minerals.
If you are overweight and constantly feeling tired, this could be the cause. With the excess weight, you require more energy when completing the same tasks. In addition, overweight people are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, difficulty breathing properly, and lack of exercise. All of these can contribute to worsened sleep and increased fatigue throughout the day.
Keeping stress levels low is considered healthy for your body. Persistent stress can take a toll on your health. One of the symptoms when it negatively affects you is persistent exhaustion. Other effects include muscle tension, headaches, and stomach aches. This is because when the body is dealing with stress, it's in a fight-or-flight state.
In this situation, your body's defense responds by secreting adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are meant to help the body deal with stressful situations. But in instances when stress persists, it's no longer safe. Instead, it negatively affects your body, causing the symptoms mentioned above.
To alleviate exhaustion due to stress, you can start by learning ways to combat chronic stress. With this, you can regain the normal energy levels in your body. Next, take control of your emotions and thoughts. Lastly, meditation practices should be tried, and deep breathing should be taken while relaxing.
Aging sets up physiological changes that can suppress the appetite of senior adults sometimes. Therefore, if you have not been eating well lately, it could be why you feel tired.
When the body has little nutritional value to process for energy, feeling weak is one of the symptoms. This is because there is a low blood glucose level, which reflects in your body as fatigue. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure you are eating a healthy diet and not skipping meals.
Staying up late at night can stimulate exhaustion, especially if you've had this habit for a long time. Typically, an adult needs around seven to nine hours of sleep every night. As an older adult, it is recommended to get even more to speed up the body's recovery. However, when you are sleep-deprived, it takes a toll on your whole body and leads to fatigue. Fortunately, you can take care of this problem by practicing a good sleeping routine. It will not only boost your energy but also improve your health. You can start by resting earlier at night to get quality sleep.
Turn off the light and keep the room dark. Keep the room quiet for deep sleep without distractions. Avoid stimulating activities like using a phone, watching TV, and exercising before bed. If these don't work, then a sleeping pill prescription from the doctor can come in handy.
As an older adult, taking medications is a common thing. However, some of these medications do come with side effects. One such effect can be feeling tired frequently. Unfortunately, to those relying on allergy medications, fatigue might be part of their way of life. In addition, hypertension medicine, anxiety medication, and depression medication are also significant causes of exhaustion among older adults. So, if you've identified your medication as one of the causes of your daily fatigue, consult your doctor. Ask for alternative medication that may not have this side effect.
Finally, never assume that persistent tiredness is like any other trait of getting old. No, it's not. So, if you are experiencing fatigue, you can rely on this list to determine what might be the cause. Some of the solutions are practical. But if this condition persists or worsens, it's important to contact a professional.
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