Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Unfortunately, being tired is an occupational hazard of being alive. Whether you didn’t sleep well the night before or the kids woke you up as you dropped off, it’s easy to open your eyes the day after and feel less than rested. This scenario leaves many of us wishing for a miraculous extra four or five hours to stay in bed. As common as this is, what we are talking about here is a little different.
Chronic exhaustion is more serious and can be a sign of an underlying problem. Remember, please tell your doctor what you’re feeling and make an appointment if you have symptoms of exhaustion that are severe or don’t go away. Here are a few reasons you might be experiencing exhaustion regularly.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can only be diagnosed through a sleep study done by a sleep specialist. However, there are some distinct signs that you might be dealing with the condition. They include excessive snoring, sudden wake-ups, gasping for air at night, excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness, as well as cognitive impairment.
Untreated sleep apnea can be extremely dangerous, as you literally stop breathing while you are asleep. Though the body normally kicks in and wakes you up if this happens, the condition can be fatal. Even in mild cases, the body has lower levels of oxygen in the blood, and that’s why energy levels go down. These patterns are found during a sleep study, but you can also ask your partner if he or she has noticed any problems.
Keep in mind, not all snoring is synonymous with sleep apnea, yet, it’s vital to consult a medical professional as soon as you can if you are concerned. It is treatable and most people live a normal life with the right diagnosis and treatment protocol.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid is a small- but important- gland located in the throat. Though it doesn’t control everything in the endocrine system, it plays a large roll in metabolism and energy levels. There are certain symptoms that may point to thyroid issues, but testing is necessary to diagnose any conditions properly.
A stat that puts the issue into perspective comes from the American Thyroid Foundation, which states that nearly one-fifth of women have a thyroid disorder, and many don’t know it’s happening. In addition to being extra tired, a sluggish thyroid can cause weight gain, hair loss, and dry skin. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, thyroid issues can be supported and even cured in some cases.
Food Allergies or Intolerances
Know that an allergy and intolerance are two different things. Though they can cause some of the same symptoms, including extreme exhaustion, allergies typically can be much more severe and even life-threatening. That said, a condition such as Celiac disease is not considered an allergy or an intolerance. It has its own set of symptoms that are triggered by an autoimmune response.
Both allergies and intolerance can be diagnosed through testing. With about 170 different foods that have been identified to cause allergic reactions in the US, the problem can be common. That’s not counting all the intolerances that people of all ages can experience. In fact, over twenty-six-million individuals in the US or 10% of the population are estimated to deal with some type of food sensitivity.
Over the Counter Medication
Any type of medication can cause side effects, including drowsiness and ongoing exhaustion. This includes OTC meds that we all have likely taken at one time or another. Taking some meds daily or not following manufacturers recommendations can put a strain on the liver and other organs. If you want to manage ailments with OTC meds, make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the precautions and proper dosing.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
