Jan 02, 2002 (The Record) - Feeling pooped? Can't get those old
bones jump-started in the morning? According to Dr. Michael Schmidt,
author of "Tired of Being Tired," feelings of fatigue and low energy
are the most common reasons people seek medical care. Twenty-four
percent of adults, says Schmidt, "always feel tired." He calls them,
"the energetically challenged."
If you're tired, it's not because you're old. We all feel that way
at times, usually because we're doing too much. A little rest, and
generally you regain your energy quickly. If you don't, and the
tiredness interferes with your daily activities and prevents you from
doing the things that make life worth living, it is cause for
concern and merits a full medical exam.
You're familiar with some of the more common causes of fatigue
the aftermath of an illness, lack of sleep, side effects of
medications, and overwork. But there are other factors that may sap
your energy:
Your weight. Being overweight makes your body work harder to do
everyday things. Being underweight deprives your muscles of strength.
Being unfit. The less active you are, the more out of shape you
become, the more tired you are when you do try to do something.
Stress. Worry deprives you not only of sleep but also of energy.
The more control you maintain over the events of your life, the less
stressful and fatiguing they will be.
Dehydration. Dehydration depletes the body of essential minerals
and diminishes heart pumping action. Eight cups of fluid daily, not
counting caffeinated drinks or alcohol, are needed to maintain energy
levels.
Low blood pressure. Those with low blood pressure suffer from
fatigue more frequently. If you feel lightheaded and are frequently
tired, see your physician.
Thyroid problems. Tiredness, accompanied by extreme intolerance to
cold weather and the loss of luster to skin and hair, could be
symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition that can be treated with
hormones.
Anemia. Frequently found among seniors, anemia is easily diagnosed
with a blood test and can be successfully treated.
Eyestrain. Inadequate eyeglasses cause tired eyes and tired
bodies.
Bad habits. Late-night eating and excessive drinking robs you of
sleep and results in extreme tiredness.
There is no magic bullet to cure tiredness, but there are
lifestyle changes that can help:
Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.
Reduce afternoon naps to 30 minutes.
Get enough sunlight.
Eat right.
Cut down on non-essential activities and do the most at that time
of the day when you are most energetic.
Do something interesting and stimulating. Boredom promotes
lethargy, which leads to fatigue.
Be kind to yourself, and don't demand more than you are capable of
doing. Failure to live up to your own expectations will cause
frustration, irritability, and ultimately, debilitating exhaustion.
