I'm So Tired

"I'm so tired," is one of the most common symptoms that people report.  In my clinical practice, it is more common in women than men.  Natural medicine always tries to look for a cause.  So, let's look at some of those causes.  

(My clinic Facebook page recently carried a question about this www.facebook.com/fredclinic.  Perhaps you're here to check your answer.)

Tiredness is a nebulous symptom because there are so many reasons for it.  I had trouble writing the FB question because I had trouble thinking of a reason that doesn't potentially cause tiredness.  The correct answer was "Living one's life purpose."  Comments about some other answers follow.

Anemia -- is a deficiency of red blood cells or iron or hemoglobin.  In menstruating women it can be a result of extra heavy or frequent periods.  So, it can be from blood loss.  It can be from dietary deficiencies of iron, or Vitamin B-12 or Folic acid.

Energy Vampires -- These are people who suck your energy from you.  They are extra needy people who take and take and give nothing back to you.  The tiredness associated with this cause tends to be more emotional or mental in nature.

Depression -- tiredness and wanting to sleep a lot can be a result of depression.  There are two kinds.  Depression caused by situations, such as the ending of a relationship.  The other kind is clinical, where there is an internal biochemical imbalance.

A few other causes of tiredness:

Sleep Apnea -- breathing impairments while sleeping can reduce oxygen to the brain resulting in a rebound feeling of exhaustion during the waking hours.

Low grade infections -- drain energy via the immune system.  Common locations for simmering infection can be in the gums, sinuses, or the gastrointestinal system.

Adrenal fatigue -- is the result of chronic stress.  Stress changes the release of adrenal hormones, which disrupts sleep patterns that create insomnia at night and tired sleepiness during the day.



Dr. Mark has expertise in working with all of these causes and getting your energy back on track.  Click here to check out how coaching could help in a comprehensive way.