Is Your Tiredness Trying To Tell You Something?

 

Are you feeling TATT? It seems a huge proportion of us are. So much so, the NHS has created an acronym to save further exhaustion by using the phrase in its entirety. TATT or Tired All The Time, describes a common complaint of persistent, unexplained fatigue. Worryingly, for many of us, it’s a normal part of everyday life.

 

In fact, a recent YouGov survey shockingly showed that one in eight of us report feeling tired all the time, while a quarter of us feel constantly ‘weary’. And it’s taking its toll on our health and wellbeing. From feeling groggy when you wake, to making you moody and tanking your productivity, running low on energy means even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

 

Your concentration dips, decision making becomes sluggish and tiredness can even put a strain on relationships, reduce your ability to cope with stress, and make you more prone to mistakes or accidents. Over time, persistent tiredness doesn’t just make you feel drained, it can impact your physical health, mental clarity, and overall sense of wellbeing. In short, when you're not well-rested, you're not functioning at your best.

 

But is your tiredness trying to tell you something?

 

Occasional tiredness is par for the course, but if TATT is becoming your norm, it may be worth considering if something else is at play.

 

Below are some key questions to ask if you’re existing in a constant state of exhaustion.

 

How’s Your Sleep?

 

Are you getting enough? Is your sleep quality as good as it could be? Can you make improvements? Lack of sleep has an enormous impact on how you feel during the day. It may sound obvious, but try keeping a sleep diary and we bet you’ll be surprised.

 

Click for more information on better sleep and sleep hygiene.

 

Is Supplemental Oxygen the Secret to Better Sleep?

 

Are You Stressed?

 

Needless to say, stress can contribute to an overall feeling of malaise. It puts your body and mind into a constant state of alert, which is both physically and mentally exhausting. Your fight or flight response may be useful in short bursts, but prolonged exposure can disrupt your sleep and drain your energy reserves.

 

Is Your Diet Doing All It Could?

 

A diet low in nutrients or high in processed foods can lead to fatigue. It’s that simple. Keep a food diary and see your GP if you need a hand making improvements.

 

Are You Getting Enough Exercise?

 

Sedentary lifestyles can reduce energy levels and leave you feeling depleted. Try to incorporate movement into your daily life where possible.

 

Are You Doing Too Much?

 

At the other end of the scale, excessive exercise without proper recovery can cause fatigue. As can a super busy lifestyle. If you think you may be doing too much, you almost certainly are. See what you can cut out and try to kick back and relax for longer.

 

Could You Be Drinking Too Much Alcohol?

 

Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with sleep and energy. The NHS suggests drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across three days or more.

 

Is Caffeine Causing Problems?

 

Too much caffeine during the day can disrupt your sleep patterns. Around four or five cups of tea or coffee per day in considered the max for most people.

 

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

 

Dehydration can cause ongoing tiredness. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of liquid (ideally water) each day.

 

Do You Need To Visit Your GP?

 

Underlying health conditions such as a vitamin D deficiency, anaemia, diabetes, sleep apnoea and an underactive thyroid can also cause long-term tiredness. If you’re struggling to shake off day time sleepiness, it may be worth reaching out to your doctor.

 

For more information on how supplemental oxygen can help relieve tiredness visit this article.

 

Life is one long process of getting tired

Samuel butler