Tired all the time?

Dr Douglas Street, Contributor

Have you lost your spunk, your umph, your energy? Sure, all of us feel tired at one time or another, but when was the last time you felt like you could take on the world? Sometimes, we feel tired when we have got enough sleep and there is no excessive stress in our lives. Are we doing something wrong?

One could be tired for many reasons. If one is very underweight then the muscles may not be strong enough to take on our necessary tasks. Also, if one is overweight, then the muscles and the heart may have an excessive workload and may not be able to tolerate regular activity. Of course, inadequate sleep can cause tiredness. Importantly, interrupted sleep, excessive sleep and bad timing of sleep may be responsible. Medical problems can cause tiredness. These include anaemia (low blood count), immune system diseases (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS), infections (especially long-term ones and those caused by viruses), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease (e.g. congestive heart failure), some liver diseases, long-term lung problems, poor nutrition, cancer, kidney failure, exposure to environmental toxins, dehydration, and an under-functioning or over-functioning thyroid. Medications such those for allergy, sleeping, blood pressure as well as steroids and diuretics (water tablets) may be responsible. Psychological problems such as depression, stress and grief may also cause tiredness.

Interventions

First of all, ensure that you get enough rest. Rest should be six-eight hours per day (preferably uninterrupted). The sleeping area should be adequately ventilated. Avoid eating late. Exercise three to four times weekly for at least 20 minutes four-five hours before going to bed. Plan a realistic schedule. Drink enough water. Eliminate smoking, alcohol and caffeine from your diet. Have a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, peas and beans, seeds, omega 3 (sardines, mackerel and salmon). Limit intake of sugars, refined foods, preserved foods, fast food and meats. Supplements such as omega 3 oils, wholegrain oils, vitamin B complex, ginseng and gingko biloba may help.

If these measures fail and symptoms are excessive seek medical attention.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall at 3 Barnett Street in Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre at Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.