Reasons why you’re always tired

Plus, ways to boost your energy.

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In a Nutshell 2023 is the year of exhaustion. No, seriously. According to Google Trends, "I am tired" has been trending upward for years and finally hit its peak in August. Why? I have some hunches, but let's let the medical expert weigh in on this one. (See below.) You know what else everyone has in common? They're reading these new stories: • 35 fun ways to eat chia seeds • What's the best poop position? • FAQ about vaping and your health Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 23, 2023 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing Why are we the most tired we've ever been? 🩺 What's up, doc? "The heightened sense of fatigue is likely due to a combination of factors," explains Alberta, Canada-based psychologist Rod Mitchell. Some include the after-effects of the pandemic, ongoing isolation from remote work and social distancing, and rising economic concerns from layoffs and inflation. Add in seasonal changes, heavy world events such as wars and climate change, and a rise in depression and anxiety, you've got a recipe for a very tired world. 🥱 Why else could I be so sleepy all the time? There are a zillion (unofficial stat) causes aside from not getting enough sleep. Maybe more surprising than the rest, how you handle high stress –– say, from all of the factors listed above –– plays a strong role in emotional exhaustion. And if you're caught managing the effects of past or current traumas, your energy may be extra zapped. "When trauma takes place over a period of time or occurs over and over and is not dealt with or resolved, the nervous system can get stuck cycling between fight or flight and freeze or collapse, which is going to leave people feeling tired," says psychotherapist Cher Hamilton-Tekautz, LCSW. 📈 What are some easy ways to score more energy? While you may not be able to quit a stressful job that pays the bills or control world events, you can take action to feel more energetic ASAP. For example, these natural remedies and lifestyle changes could help: Swap snacks containing added sugars for fresh berries, dried fruit, or trail mix. Socialize with loved ones, join a club, or volunteer somewhere. Avoid skipping meals, which has been linked with anxiety, fatigue, and poor attention. Move more often to help improve sleep quality and cognitive function. Even stretching while watching TV is a great start. Get tested for potential vitamin deficiencies and start supplementing accordingly. Speak with a doctor to figure out why you're tired so you can properly address it.

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Be in the know Could menopause be causing your uncomfortable symptoms? Menopause isn't referenced that much in pop culture, and when it is, you best believe hot flashes and shifts in mood will be front and center. But while these oft-referenced symptoms are certainly common, they're only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the changes one may experience during menopause. Other common symptoms include: menstruation changes night sweats difficulty concentrating stiff joints hair thinning tender breasts vaginal dryness a lower sex drive Another fact that often gets glossed over is how long the stages of menopause can last. Symptoms usually start around 4 years before your final period, but some people may experience symptoms for a decade or longer. So, how can you be certain you've gone through menopause? While an official diagnosis comes once you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period, there are also tests that can help you understand where you are in your menopause journey. One test you can try is the Labcorp OnDemand Menopause Test. All you have to do is order one online and head to one of Labcorp's 4,000+ patient service centers to get your samples collected. The results will help identify imbalances in key reproductive hormones estradiol, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, which will help you and your primary care physician figure out a specific treatment plan. Learn more about Labcorp OnDemand tests here.

Advertisement Wondering if it's menopause? Go test yourself! The Labcorp OnDemand Menopause Test can give you insights on hormonal changes during your menopause journey. LEARN MORE

health stories you need What we're reading next 😬 30 facts about how stress can affect your body. Did you know that your genes dictate the way you respond to stressors? I didn't. 💉 How does the shingles vaccine work? Here's what the process looks like, plus answers to common questions about the virus and vaccine. 🧠 Study finds new early sign of Alzheimer's disease. This physical symptom could be easy to spot, too. 📱 6 ways your devices can boost your mental health. We often hear about how they negatively affect our moods. These tips can do the opposite!

Thanks for reading! I say it at the end of every newsletter, and I truly mean it. Being able to write to you three times per week is a gift. OK, OK, I'll stop gushing. Have a great day, and I'll see you again on Wednesday.

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