feeling tired all the time (allergies, thyroid, blood, depression)

[lilamx]

I'm 24 which means I should have a high energy level, but the reality is that I don't. I work and go to school, and I wake up at 5 am every day, but I go to sleep relatively early (11 pm at the latest). I know of people my age who get by on much less sleep and they seem to be much more energetic than I am. By the evening I'm pretty much worn out and tired, even when I take naps. At my age, I know I shouldn't be feeling this way. I think I eat relatively well, though the only breakfast I have is coffee and I eat a big dinner late at night...but I don't know if that could be a factor. Coffee is enough to fill me up really, I don't crave anything more. Last time I went to the doctor all my tests came out fine. Any ideas on how I can increase my energy levels (besides energy drinks or any of that synthetic stuff)? Even taking a multi-vitamin didn't seem to work.

[jambo101]

I'd go see a doctor before acting on any advice you may receive from a forum.
Thyroid problems can cause tiredness..

[lilamx]

I also thought it could be a thyroid problem for the longest time, since I have many of the symptoms. But every time I go to the doctor, my blood work turns out perfectly fine. I don't know.

[Basiliximab]

Is there any chance you may have sleep apnea? If it's not that, and you exercise on a regular basis (at least 30 min of cardo three times a week), then I'm stumped. I was feeling that way once too, however there was an imbalance in various levels (make sure your doctor has checked your vitamin D level--that one was low with me; it may have helped with my increase in energy, though can't be certain). Once those were fixed (and I kept to a regular exercise schedule), my energy level has increased a great deal.

The only other thing I can think of is that some people need more or less sleep than others. Start with making sure you're getting the "recommended" eight each night. If I am reading correctly from your post, it states that you at least get six, but I'm not sure what's normal for you. If it is eight, then maybe try less--there's a slight chance you're getting too much sleep. I know if I get more than seven hours every night, I become a little more tired than normal.

One thing that helped somewhat before I went to the doctor is that I took three vitamin B complexes each morning (they're water-soluble, so you won't overdose; much of it will be eliminated, but nevertheless it did give me a slight increase in energy. Perhaps it may work better for some than others).

I hope you can figure out something that works. It sucks to be tired all the time.

[Moonlady]

11-5 is only 6 hours of sleep. Some of us are just wired to get 8 hours to be fully rested. I know I am a walking zombie if I get less than 7. Also, try cutting out refined carbs. Make sure you get enough protein and eat balanced meals. Try a B complex vitamin and/or vitamin B12 drops. Also, are you staying hydrated? Make sure you get enough water.

[Ohiogirl81]

Six hours is not a lot of sleep. Get more sleep 6 days out of 7 at the very least, and then see if you're still tired.

Knock off the coffee and eat a decent breakfast, with protein. Drink plenty of water and get some exercise, preferably in the fresh air. You'll sleep better.

[PippySkiddles]

Breakfast is THE most important meal of the day. Means break fast.....you've been fasting while you sleep. You need to kick start your day with a really good protein breakfast.
Lunch could consist of fresh fruit then a well rounded evening meal.
But stop skipping breakfast!

[Dogmama50]

I have to agree that having some sort of breakfast should help provide fuel to your body. If you don't have time to sit down and eat, try making up a yogurt and fruit smoothie that you can grab and run out the door with. I also like taking Emergen-C, gives me some extra vitamins and an energy boost.

[jaijai]

Eating anything and especially a big meal late at night is not wise.
When you sleep, your body should not be working to digest.
It has other much more important things to do.
Cut out the coffee ... it's taxes the adrenals which is ultimately depleting.
It stimulates the system but does not provide energy.
And you're probably not getting enough sleep.
It doesn't matter what other people need regarding sleep.
Every body is different.
Getting some regular exercise may help.
And people are all different.
Some people just have more vitality than others.
So, if you feel that your essential vitality is on the "low" side, chi gong is an excellent way to increase vitality.
So are some yoga practices as long as you find the one that suits your particular need.
Also, doing work or being in relationships that are draining and / or that you are not enthusiastic about is ultimately depleting.
You want to be involved in ways that increase your happiness and enthusiasm which = energy.

[stepka]

Lila, how is your weight? Low blood sugar or insulin resistance can make you tired. Allergies can wear you out. Depression can make you tired and some people have a very low grade depression that can just make them tired and apathetic but they won't have any idea they're depressed. I agree with those who say you need more sleep--I never in my life would have been able to get by on 6 hours per night. Make sure your room is really dark too--sometimes you won't sleep as well if you have too much light shining in. Green tea is supposed to give you more relaxed energy so it might be worth a try. And B-vitamins def pick me up too.