Reasons for Feeling Exhausted

Pretty much everyone knows the unpleasant feeling -- being severely overtired, drowsy and reduced of all energy and vitality. If you are simply exhausted and feel like it cannot change, no matter what you do, you need to take action and examine all of the possible reasons for your current condition. A variety of causes can lead to exhaustion.

Sleep

• One of the biggest reasons behind exhaustion is, unsurprisingly, lack of sleep at night. To stay fresh and full of energy, you need to maintain proper sleeping hygiene, both by getting enough sleep at night (roughly seven to eight hours) and by going to bed and waking up at the same time on a daily basis. If distractions are preventing you from receiving sufficient shut-eye, make sure to turn your television off and keep your cell phone away from your field of vision.

Caffeine

• Consuming too much caffeine can also bring on serious exhaustion. Although caffeine is a stimulant and can give you a quick energy boost, that boost within a couple of hours can cause you to crash and burn, feeling more sluggish, run-down and lethargic than ever. Also, if you consume caffeine right before bed, it can make you feel wired, possibly resulting in an inability to fall asleep quickly and easily.

Food

• Hunger can be a trigger for exhaustion. If you simply do not eat enough, you will likely feel exhaustion over an extended period of time. Make sure to follow a balanced and nutritious diet, to maintain healthy glucose levels. When blood sugar levels decrease, a person might suddenly experience intense feelings of energy loss and exhaustion.

Mental Health

• People suffering from mental health difficulties also often feel exhausted. Some examples of common mental states that are associated with excessive exhaustion include grief, nervousness, emotional stress and serious depression.

Dehydration

• Drinking enough water is vital for a lot of reasons, including preventing exhaustion. No matter what you are doing, sufficient water is necessary for a body to maintain cool and remain functional and alert. Aim for eight glasses of water every day.

Medicine

• Exhaustion is a side effect that is linked with many different types of prescription medications, including many anxiety medicines, hypertension medicines, steroids, antihistamines, steroids and various antidepressants. If you take these types of medications, the exhaustion you are feeling may just be a side effect.

Health Problems

• Overwhelming exhaustion can also be indicative of a larger health problem. Exhaustion is a symptom of many diverse health conditions, such as overactive and underactive thyroid, diabetes (types 1 and 2), anemia, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, anorexia nervosa, Addison's disease, fibromyalgia, congestive heart failure and malnutrition. If you are experiencing abnormal feelings of exhaustion, it could be an indication of a larger problem.