Approaches to Fatigue

If you are constantly feeling sleepy, run-down, or just physically spent, your body is lacking something. This state of fatigue might be as easy to relieve as getting a good night's sleep, or there could be other underlying medical issues at work. There are, however, some approaches that might help you relieve your fatigue.

Sleep

• You might be feeling tired or fatigued because of a simple lack of sleep. Lack of sleep can be self-induced or because of other reasons, such as a poor mattress. If you are tossing and turning in the middle of the night, waking up with a sore back or rolling into the middle of your mattress, you might need to invest in a new bed. If you shop for a new bed, invest in one with good back support, comfortable foams and a trial period. Having a trial period on a new mattress means you can return it if you find it too hard or too soft.

Caffeine

• If you drink too much caffeine during the day, you might find it hard to sleep through the night. If you are not getting a minimum of eight hours a sleep, you might feel fatigued during the day, and this can be the result of stimulants such as caffeine. Try cutting out the caffeine altogether and switch to water, which is much healthier.

Nutrition

• Eating healthy and taking a daily vitamin might help with fatigue. Healthy carbohydrates, small meals and plenty of fruits and vegetables will do your body good. This, along with a good night's sleep, can help fight fatigue.

Exercise

• Exercise can improve your cardiovascular system and give you energy. Many cancer survivors have found that exercise relieves the fatigue they often feel after treatment. Start out with basic walking and progress to low-impact aerobics, swimming or biking.

Anemia

• Because women lose blood during their menstrual cycle, anemia is common. Loss of blood each month contributes to an iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue. Eating iron-rich foods or taking an iron supplement can help relieve fatigue brought on by menstruation.

Visit Your Doctor

• Sometimes fatigue is brought on by an undiagnosed medical condition, from thyroid problems, diabetes, sleep apnea to a heart condition. Talk to your doctor if your fatigue isn't relieved by sleep, a healthier diet or exercise.