It’s a question doctors are hearing every day in their practice, “Why am I so tired all of the time?” It’s a question I recently asked my physician, but her response actually took me by surprise; “Why? Everyone in the world is tired; it’s the number one complaint.” Needless to say, that was the end of that conversation. According to the National Sleep Foundation, stress… poor health and chronic pain seem to be a factor in this years’ poll. The study found 21percent experience chronic pain while 36 percent may have acute pain. This leaves the majority of adults, 57 percent, experiencing real sleep deprivation. Sleep is an essential factor for good health, and is plaguing Americans’ everywhere.

With so much research on this subject, beginning with a good diet should be first on your list, as our bodies need fuel through the day. A primary source of energy comes from burning the right types of Fat, such as… avocados, nuts, and even olive oil. It’s all about making real lifestyle changes to your daily routines. I recall working many hours, more than the average 40 hour work week. Fatigue was always a complaint for me, as I suffered from anemia quite often. However, once I began a diet change, my patterns changed. I would take a bag of nuts to work with me, as I needed them for my mid- afternoon snack. I always had almonds, walnuts, a few raisins and unsalted peanuts mixed together, and I admit… it helped battle that afternoon sleepy time feeling. There are ways we can help ourselves to beat that tired feeling, though everything doesn’t work well for every person; it’s trial and error so-to-speak.

Another real cause for fatigue stricken Americans is our electronic devices. Too many people are on their cell phones much of the day and evenings. This will not help our bodies and minds to relax, as that syndrome FOMO (fear of missing out) takes place. The less you use social media, the better health results one has. How can one rest properly if you just saw your best friend or family member post something that might be upsetting to you? Maybe it’s a political view, or an outing that didn’t include you… whatever the story may be, it’s a fact that those who constantly view social networks have more stress and sleep less. Now… maybe that’s not true for all of you, but I would say the majority that keep cell phones next to their bedside are suffering from fatigue. It’s a real reality check for many.

Women over the age of 50 usually have some type of thyroid problem, so if you are always feeling tired, it’s important to check with your doctor and have the right blood tests done. So many times this goes unnoticed. As for myself, I am hypothyroid, which one of the main factors is severe fatigue, and it is something I will live with for the rest of my days. I would love nothing more than to have my doctors change my levels with medication, but they will not; due to cancer, it is the one way to help keep it at bay, so they say. There are multiple causes of people feeling so tired these days, but apparently it is the number one complaint everywhere. It is vital that one should be aware of what the cause might be, so it can be treated the right way. Then there is depression. Not everyone will know if they suffer from this, but it’s another reason to make a doctor appointment in order to find out. So many things can play in to being so tired, that you should take a look at every aspect of your daily life. For many, it’s a problem that is often ignored and goes undiagnosed. Be good to yourself… because if we don’t take care of our needs, then who will? Being proactive in our own well-being should be on top of our list. For those that don’t like going to doctor appointments, there is always holistic medicine; meaning there is a more natural way of treating issues. In case you don’t know… melatonin is a natural sleep aide. Many doctors know this, but don’t seem to suggest it for whatever reasons. It can help you get into a better sleep pattern in time. I tried this in the past and it worked; But before doing anything on your own, it’s always a great idea to consult with your physician first. Sleep well America.

Make your week count.