Why Am I So Tired?

Fatigue: Part I
If you often find yourself asking the above question, you're not alone. In fact, one in four Americans experience fatigue lasting longer than two weeks-and often up to six months. Fatigue can be a sign of many things, from poor sleep habits to chronic fatigue syndrome to disease, such as diabetes, heart or lung problems. Pinpointing the exact cause of fatigue can be both tricky and time-consuming, but remember: the best place to start is with your physician. If you're dog tired, the following conditions could be factors in your fatigue:

Iron-deficiency anemia: it affects one in five American women.

Sleep apnea: this "snoring sickness" runs in families and affects up to eight percent of Americans of all ages.

Depression: it affects 25 percent of women and 10 percent of men at some point in their lives.

Emotional loss: a tragedy such as a death in the family, or other loss such as that of a job, health or youth, can often cause fatigue.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a disease that still baffles doctors when it comes to its cause. It's estimated to affect four to ten out of every 100,000 adults.

Recent illness: often a cause of fatigue, even up to a month or so after other symptoms have cleared.

Fatigue: Part II
Last week we looked at some of the top causes of fatigue. Still, for many Americans it all boils down to plain old lack of sleep. One in three Americans has trouble sleeping soundly, and one in four has chronic insomnia. It's natural to have sleepless nights when you're stressed or ill, but if they persist for a month or more, or if daytime drowsiness interferes with work, it's important to see a doctor. In the meantime, how can you make up for lost Z's? Try these suggestions:

• Sleep longer on the weekends and go to bed earlier on Wednesdays (to get you through Thursday and Friday).
• Rest for 20 to 40 minutes after work, but no longer or you'll toss and turn during the night.
• Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime, and avoid alcohol and smoking within one to two hours of bed.
• Go to bed only when you're tired; if you're still awake after 15 minutes, get up and read or watch TV until you feel sleepy.
• Find ways to balance your life. Take a vacation, find more efficient ways to handle chores, watch your diet and exercise regularly.