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Tired All The Time


Lethargy and fatigue are problems for many people.

People are often confused by medical terms and mumbo jumbo. You won't find that here - just simple, plain, high quality advice about fatigue, tiredness, lethargy and related issues.
We hope you find the articles helpful.

Drop by again, We add new content regularly.



Fatigue Causes

Fatigue Causes

What are the causes of fatigue?

This site is devoted to fatigue, causes, treatments and options for living a better life.

You'll find lots of useful information about fatigue and tiredness - just follow the links on each page or use the search function.

Information on this site is updated frequently - check back often for more fatigue and tiredness information

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How to beat fatigue

treatment for fatigue
How to beat fatigue

Tips on avoiding overload and chronic tiredness

Millions of us complain of being tired every day.

We usually blame it on doing too much and not having enough time to do it in, especially during extra-busy periods. But its often our habits that let us down: what we eat, how we sleep, and how we cope emotionally.

Read on for some easy changes that can help you rebuild your energy levels.

Energize Your Diet
Why is it that filling up on pasta or Chinese food for lunch leaves us snacky and sleepy an hour later? Or that falling short on fluids makes us forgetful and foggy? Fact is, eating habits play a powerful role in how well we function on every level. Below, six top fatigue-fighting nutrition strategies to chew on.

Have breakfast... even if you don't feel hungry.
You'll be a lot perkier: Studies show that people who eat breakfast feel better both mentally and physically than those who skip their morning meal. British researchers at Cardiff University even found that spooning up a bowl of breakfast cereal every morning is associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Eat every three to four hours.
Having three smallish meals and two snacks throughout the day can keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable all day long, says Roberta Anding, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Note the word "smallish." Supersized meals demand more of your energy to digest, which can leave you feeling lethargic. At each mini-meal, get a mix of carbohydrates (which the body uses for energy), protein (which helps sustain energy if needed), and healthy fats like those found in fish, nuts, and olives -- these fats and protein contribute to meal satisfaction, so you don't go hunting for sweets an hour later and wind up with a short-lived sugar high and subsequent crash. A few meal ideas: a low-fat yogurt parfait with berries and a couple of tablespoons of whole-grain granola; salmon over mixed greens with whole-grain crackers; and beef tenderloin with a baked sweet potato and asparagus.

Fill up on more fiber.
Fiber has a time-releasing effect on carbs, so they enter your bloodstream at a slow and steady pace, giving your energy staying power, says Anding. When choosing your mini-meals (see above), include fiber-filled options that add up to the daily recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber (the average person gets only between 10 and 15 grams). Some suggestions: a bowl of raisin bran (5 grams of fiber per cup); black beans and cheese wrapped in a multigrain tortilla (beans have 7.5 grams per 1/2 cup; one tortilla has 5 grams); air-popped popcorn (3.6 grams per 3 cups); an apple with the skin (3.3 grams); and whole-wheat spaghetti (6.3 grams per cup).
Fuel your brain with omega-3s. Found in fatty fish (such as tuna and salmon), walnuts, and canola oil, these essential fatty acids play a role in keeping brain cells healthy and helping you feel mentally alert. Another potential bonus: Omega-3s encourage the body to store carbs as glycogen — the storage form of glucose (blood sugar) and the body's main source of stored fuel — rather than as fat.

Stay hydrated.
Water makes up the majority of your blood and other body fluids, and even mild dehydration can cause blood to thicken, forcing the heart to pump harder to carry blood to your cells and organs and resulting in fatigue. Also, ample fluids keep energy-fueling nutrients flowing throughout the body, says Nancy Clark, R.D., author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook. To gauge your hydration, Clark recommends monitoring how often you urinate. You should be going every two to four hours, and your urine should be clear or pale yellow in color. Tip: Besides drinking more, you can also consume foods that naturally contain water, such as yogurt, broccoli, carrots, and juicy fruits, like watermelons, oranges, and grapefruits.

Watch caffeine intake after noon.
Typically, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine — 200 to 300 mg, the amount found in two to three cups of coffee — can make you more energetic and alert in the hours following, says Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. But when caffeine is consumed in large quantities — or anytime in the afternoon or evening — the quality of your sleep that night can take a nosedive, leaving you with heavy eyelids the next day. One caution for those who are highly sensitive to caffeine: Although switching to a decaf latte in the afternoon sounds like the answer, researchers at the University of Florida found that out of 22 decaffeinated coffee beverages tested, all but one contained some caffeine.

Follow these simple tips and you'll feel much stronger and more alert.
Defeat fatigue - get started now.

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Fatigue

why am I so tired all the time
Fatigue

Fatigue - how to deal with fatigue and tiredness

Fatigue is common. We all feel fatigue from time to time - drowsy in the morning, tired after lunch. But chronic fatigue is a different and more problematic issue.

Here are simple tips that may help you if you have problems with fatigue.

Exercise for fatigue
You will tend to feel more fatigue if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise can actually increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. It also helps lose excess weight which can cause fatigue.


Lifestyle change to combat fatigue
Try to increase the amount of movement you take every day - its not just about joining a gym.
Use your imagination to find ways to be active. Park your car further away. Go for walks whenever you can. Change your hobbies to more active ones.


Stress causes fatigue
Try to build stress relieving tricks and tips into your day - every day. You will feel much less tired as a result


Time management reduces stress - less stress means less fatigue
Planning can go a long way to reducing stress and thus reducing fatigue. Take a couple of hours, one day a week, to run through your schedule for the week. You will save yourself a little bit of stress this way. Also, by planning meals and snacks ahead of time you will not only save money at the grocery store but save a few pounds from sneaking their way onto your backside.


Eating well and reduce fatigue
Increase your intake of raw fruit and vegetables.
Focus on breakfast as the most important meal of the day. Try to double the amount of fluid you currently drink in a day.


Sleep better - feel less fatigue
Less alcohol, less caffeine and less nicotine will all help you sleep better. If you sleep well each night then you will feel less fatigued.


Keep in mind that snoring can cause very severe day time fatigue.


If you feel sleepy during the day and snore at night then you should see your doctor for a check up.


Follow these simple tips - reduce your fatigue - you'll feel much better for it

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a multifaceted disorder. It has many possible causes and often more than one of these causes will contribute to the overwhelming sense of fatigue in any one sufferer.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causes severe physical and psychological or mental exhaustion - it arises in a previously healthy and active person. There are also other symptoms that commonly go along with those of the chronic fatigue.

Most chronic fatigue syndrome cases start after a period of stress in the year before although many also have a history of a recent viral illness.

A huge amount of research has been carried out but still no one clear cause has been found to link all cases. It might be the case that the actual chronic fatigue syndrome has more than one possible underlying cause.

You can read more about the different types of fatigue by searching this site. Follow the links or use the search box on your left.

Wikipedia also has a very comprehensive section devoted to chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Always Tired - Why Always Tired

Always Tired?

Why am I always so tired?

If you browse around on this website you'll find the answers to many causes of tiredness.

Tiredness can be fleeting and clearly related to something you've done or to something thats happened in your life - but sometimes it can creep up unnanounced and without warning.

If you are always tired then here are the things to consider. In general its best to seek an opinion from a doctor and its quite likely you will need some blood tests done to sort things out properly.

Always Tired - some causes:

Medication - are you taking any regular medication? All sorts of drugs and medication can cause a feeling of being always tired. The common culprits are medication for blood pressure or for depression but almost any prescribed drug will list fatigue or tiredness as a side effect.

Low blood counts or anemia - if your blood count drops low enough to cause anemia then you are likely to feel always tired. The red blood cell count is the one that triggers anemia if it drops. The white blood cell count can also cause fatigue if it is low but this usually only happens in people with a suppressed or deficient immune system.

Low thyroid blood levels - an underactive thyroid gland can cause you to feel always tired or always fatigued.

High blood sugar - a high blood sugar, which is a sign of diabetes - nearly always leads to fatigue or a sense of always feeling tired. Paradoxically, a low blood sugar can do the same thing but the tiredness in this case is usually short lived.

Depression - low mood or a depression illness can cause an overwhelming sense of fatigue. If you feel low in mood and are always tired then its possible you have a significant depression.

Other medical conditions than can cause you to feel always tired include kidney problems, liver problems and other serious underlying disease. Also, ladies, don't forget that early pregancy can be a cause of extreme tiredness - sometimes even befort you've missed your first period.

Dont rely on the information on this site - seek advice from a doctor.

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Diarrhea Fatigue

Diarrhea Fatigue

Diarrhea is a common cause of fatigue and there are several possible reasons for this.

Most commonly, diarrhea fatigue relates to dehydration and loss of salts from the body. If you have very watery diarrhea then you are likely to lose a lot of body fluid quickly. You also often become salt depleted too - and it's this combination of rapid onset dehydration and lack of body salt that can produce profound fatigue and sometimes muscle cramps in the legs or arms.

If you are unluck enough to have chronic or longer term diarrhea problems then fatigue can certainly still arise for the reasons given above. However, with cases of chronic diarrhea, anemia or low red blood cell counts can also contribute to the fatigue.

If you are concerned about diarrhea - particularly persistent diarrhea with fatigue - then please see a doctor for a check up as soon as you can.

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Tired Symptoms

Tired Symptoms

Find help with symptoms of fatigue and tiredness

This site is designed to answer all your questions about being tired. Symptoms of fatigue and lethargy or tired symptoms can sometimes arise suddenly, but more often they appear in a slow starting way so that the fatigue just seems to creep up on you.

Browse this site by using the site index or the search function - you'll find both in the left column of every page.

Details of the ten or so most recent articles are always on the right of every page.

Don't let tired symptoms get the better of you. Find what you need to know here

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Fever - Fatigue !

Fever and Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom if you have a fever.
This combination of fever and fatigue can happen for several reasons.

Firstly - one of the major effects of fever is to cause a gradual loss of body fluid. This results in dehydration and (if it becomes severe) an imbalance in the bodies salt levels. Low sodium and low potassium are both likely to cause profound feelings of fatigue.

If you have a fever then it's crucial to drink as much water as you possibly can. Try to drink enough water to ensure that you are passing urine regularly - and aim to make that urine pale yellow in color. If it looks dark - drink more!

Secondly - fever is usually an indication that your body is trying to fight off an infection - either a virus or a bacterial infection. The fact that your immune system is working full tilt to fight the infection can lead directly to feelings of fatigue and tiredness.

If you are unwell with a persistent fever or prolonged fatigue then you need to see a doctor. Don't rely on websites for medical advice - seek a medical opinion.

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Celebrex Fatigue

Celebrex fatigue

Celebrex side effects - Fatigue

Does celebrex cause fatigue?

Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the treatment of joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe acute pain, painful menstruation and to reduce the number of bowel polyps in those with a strong family history of polyps in the colon or large bowel - called familial adenomatous polyposis.

Like all drugs - celebrex can cause fatigue, although fatigue with celebrex is not amongst the most common side effects.

Common celebrex side effects are:
  • heartburn or dyspepsia
  • allergic reactions
  • dizziness or headache
  • ringing in the ears
  • fluid retention

More serious celebrex side effects include:

  • bleeding from the stomach or bowel
  • heart attack or stroke
  • kidney function problems
  • liver problems

There has been a lot of recent concern that celebrex can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Celebrex. The problem is rare but those with other risk factors for heart disease or stroke should not take celebrex.

If you develop fatigue while taking celebrex then seek advice from your doctor. Do not alter your own medication without seeing your doctor first.

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Atorvastatin Fatigue

Atorvastatin Fatigue

Fatigue due to atorvastatin treatment

Atorvastatin is a drug used to treat high cholesterol levels.

It's other name is Lipitor.

Atorvastatin is one of a widely used group of drugs called Statins.

Most people who take atorvastatin have no significant side effects but some experience pain in the joints and muscles. Others develop a painful tongue or a swollen tongue.

Common side effects associated with atorvastatin therapy or lipitor treatment include:

  • atorvastatin related sore joints and muscles,
  • mild transient gastrointestinal symptoms,
  • altered liver blood tests,
  • headache, insomnia, dizziness and atorvastatin fatigue.

The official literature suggests that only about one person in a hundred develop side effects when taking atorvastatin but in practice the true figure is likely to be higher than that.

If you think that you have developed an atorvastatin fatigue reaction then please consult with your doctor.

Do not stop taking your medication without seeking advice first.

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Fatigue Nolvadex

Fatigue? Nolvadex?

Can Nolvadex cause fatigue?

Nolvadex or Tamoxifen as it is also known is an orally active selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which is used in the treatment of breast cancer and is currently the world's largest selling drug for this indication.

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of nolvadex treatment. Nolvadex fatigue is sometimes a reason that patients wish to stop taking the drug.

Nolvadex is used slightly less often than before due to the emergence of other breast cancer drugs such as arimidex and letrozole or femara but still has a very valuable place to play.

Nolvadex research shows that the drug has made significant improvements in breast cancer survival rates over the last ten years or so.

Other uses for Nolvadex
Nolvadex is also used to treat infertility in women with anovulatory disorders.

A dose of 10-40 mg per day is administered in days 3-7 of a woman's cycle. In addition, a rare condition occasionally treated with tamoxifen is retroperitoneal fibrosis.

In men, tamoxifen is sometimes used to treat gynecomastia which is an abnormal but benign enlargement of the male breast tissue

Nolvadex 4050mgs is also used illicitly by bodybuilders to prevent or reduce drug-induced gynecomastia caused by the build up effects of anabolic steroid drugs.

Nolvadex Side Effects
Apart from nolvadex fatigue, other side effects include hot flushes, itch, puffy ankles and hair thinning.

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Depression and Fatigue

Depression and Fatigue

Does depression cause fatigue? What's the connection between depression and fatigue?

Many people suffering from depression experience fatigue - sometimes being overwhelmed by lethargy and tiredness. But not all those with chronic fatigue are depressed and it can be difficult to decide what the main problem is sometimes.

There are many possible causes of fatigue and depression is only one amongst a long list.

These are the symptoms of depression - if you have more than two or three from the list below then please consider going to see a doctor to discuss things.

Symptoms of Depression
You may be depressed if you have the following symptoms present every day for more than two weeks
  • Depressed mood or overwhelming lethargy

and five things from this list:

  • Feelings of overwhelming sadness and/or fear, or the seeming inability to feel emotion
  • A decrease in the amount of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.
  • Change in appetite and marked weight gain or loss.
  • Disturbed sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleep - wakening in the early hours of the morning and not getting back to sleep is a common sign of depression
  • Feelings of agitation or sluggishness nearly every day
  • Mental or physical fatigue and loss of energy.
  • Intense feelings of guilt, nervousness, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation/loneliness and/or anxiety.
  • Trouble concentrating, problems staying focussed or problems making decisions
  • Problems with memory.
  • Recurrent thoughts about death (not just fear of dying),
  • Desire to just "lie down and die" or "stop breathing",
  • Recurrent thoughts about suicide
  • Feeling and/or fear of being abandoned by those close to one.

These are the symptoms that go with a serious depression illness. If you think they apply to you then please seek help before things get any worse.

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Chronic Fatigue Blood Test

A Chronic Fatigue Blood Test

Is there such a thing as a chronic fatigue blood test?

From a doctor's perspective, chronic fatigue can have many possible causes. Most medical students could easily generate a list of about a hundred conditions capable of causing chronic fatigue.

Despite the claims of some alternative therapists, there is no one single blood test which can predict the cause of chronic fatigue or the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Here are some possible blood tests that your doctor might do if you are complaining of chronic tiredness or fatigue.
  • kidney or renal function blood tests - problems with kidney function can result in fatigue
  • liver function blood tests - liver problems can also cause chronic tiredness or fatigue
  • blood sugar level - a high blood sugar level can indicate diabetes and diabetes commonly first shows itself with fatigue or tiredness
  • thyroid blood tests - an underactive thyroid gland will cause slowly worsening symptoms of lethargy, fatigue and tiredness
  • hormone level blood tests
  • blood count levels - a low red cell blood count can point towards anaemia as a cause of fatigue. A low white blood cell level can indicate problems with the immune system. Very rarely conditions such as leukaemia can show up on this kind of blood test
  • inflammation tests - the ESR test and the CRP test can show up inflammation in the blood and are sometimes helpful in those suffering from chronic fatigue
  • auto-immune tests - several diseases have the ability to attack the bodies own cells and organs. Blood tests can help pick up this type of problem
  • infection screening tests - chronic grumbling infections like tuberculosis or lyme disease can cause chronic fatigue
  • viral screening tests - glandular fever (Epstein Barr Virus), CMV and rarely HIV can be picked up in blood tests of those with chronic tiredness and fatigue

There is no one single chronic fatigue blood test - but a good doctor will consider all the options and arrange the appropriate test.

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Yerba Mate - Adrenal Fatigue

Yerba Mate for Adrenal Fatigue

Does drinking yerba mate help relieve the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Yerba mate infusion is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of yerba mate in hot water, rather than boiling water like black tea or coffee. It is slightly less potent than coffee and much gentler on the stomach.

The flavor of brewed yerba mate is strongly vegetal, herbal, and grassy, reminiscent of some varieties of green tea.

Many consider the flavor to be very agreeable, but it is generally bitter if steeped in boiling water, so is made using hot but not boiling water. Unlike most teas, it does not become bitter and astringent when steeped for extended periods, and the leaves may be infused several times. Additionally, one can purchase flavored mate in many varieties.

If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue then your complementary therapist may well advise you to use yerba mate in addition to a number of other treatments and lifestyle strategies.

Those using Yerba Mate often report a mental state of wakefulness, focus and alertness but often remark on mate's unique lack of the negative effects typically created by other stimulants like coffee. Yerba mate does not seem to trigger anxiety, diarrhea, "jitteriness", and heart palpitations.

Yerba Mate - Adrenal fatigue

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Lipitor Fatigue

Lipitor Fatigue

Fatigue due to lipitor treatment

Lipitor is a drug used to treat high cholesterol levels. It's other name is Atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin is one of a widely used group of drugs called Statins.

Most people who take lipitor have no significant side effects but some experience pain in the joints and muscles. Others develop a painful tongue or a swollen tongue.

Common side effects associated with atorvastatin therapy or lipitor treatment include: sore joints and muscles, mild transient gastrointestinal symptoms, altered liver blood tests, headache, insomnia, dizziness and fatigue. The official literature suggests that only about one person in a hundred develop side effects when taking lipitor but in practice the true figure is likely to be higher than that.

If you think that you have developed a lipitor fatigue reaction then please consult with your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication without seeking advice first.

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Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term for a hypothesised condition of the adrenal glands.

The terms adrenal exhaustion or adrenal fatigue are often used by complementary therapists but are not formal medical terms and many doctors dispute whether adrenal fatigue really exists as a condition.

The adrenal glands are part of the body's mechanism for short term stress response and management

The adrenal glands produce adrenaline - a hormone which increases the body's metabolic rate and muscular contraction strength. Along with the thyroid gland they are also part of the body's metabolic energy regulation and control system, and thus control to an extent the energy available to body systems.

Have I got Adrenal Fatigue?
The alternative medicine theory of adrenal fatigue is that long term stress can cause the adrenal glands to become less responsive to external pressures or to the demands of day to day life. Adrenal fatigue thus causes the adrenal glands to cease to function properly and leads to a wide range of fatigue and stress related symptoms.

You can read more about adrenal fatigue and the alternative medicine approach to stress here.

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Does Zyrtek Make You Tired

Does Zirtek Make You Tired?

Zirtek (sometimes spelled Zyrtek) is an antihistamine drug. It is often used to treat hay fever or other symptoms related to allergy.

You can read more about antihistamine drugs here.

When zirtek was first launched as a drug it was regarded as a new type of antihistamine drug. It was said to be non sedating and the manufacturers claimed that taking it would not make you feel tired.

All antihistamine drugs prior to zyrtek had resulted in drowsiness.

Despite the manufacturers initial claims however, it has become clear over time that a reasonably high percentage of those who take zyrtek do indeed feel tired or drowsy or lethargic.

Does zyrtek make you tired or sleepy? If so then it might be worth trying another similar drug. Not all antihistamines work in the same way.

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Citalopram to Treat Fatigue

Using Citalopram to Treat Fatigue

Citalopram is a drug commonly used to treat depression.

Citalopram is sold throughout the world under a number of brand names including Celexa, Cipramil, Citrol, Seropam and others. It is a member of the family of drugs known as SSRI's. Other drugs in this family include Prozac and Seroxat.

The use of citalopram to treat fatigue is interesting for several reasons.

Firstly - one of the common side effects for those taking citalopram is fatigue, tiredness or drowsiness. This is particularly a problem when the drug is combined with alcohol. Some of those taking citalopram find that one glass of wine is enough to make them feel extremely drowsy. Read about other side effects of citalopram here.

Secondly - fatigue and lethargy is one of the commonest symptoms of depression. In this sense it is true that citalopram can be used to treat fatigue - but only in the sense that it is being used to treat the depression which has caused fatigue in the first place.

Read more about symptoms of depression here.

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Norvasc and Fatigue

Norvasc and Fatigue

Norvasc is a drug commonly used to treat blood pressure. The other name for Norvasc is Amolodpine.

Norvasc can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
All blood pressure medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. Norvasc and fatigue are commonly reported problems.

Norvasc belongs to a group of drugs called channel blockers. Norvasc relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload. This helps to reduce blood pressure.

Common side effects due to Norvasc are:

  • fatigue or excessive tiredness
  • headache
  • dizziness or tingling feelings in the arms or legs
  • muscle aches and pains

If you are taking Norvasc and Fatigue is a problem for you then please consult with your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication without obtaining medical advice first - it could cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly and lead to ill health.

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Fatigue due to Beta Blockers

Fatigue due to beta blocker drugs

Almost all drugs can cause fatigue and tiredness but some types of medication are more guilty of this than others. Drugs used for high blood pressure are often particularly likely to cause a fatigue reaction.

Beta blockers are used for various reasons but particularly for the management of irregular heart beat and to protect the heart after a heart attack.
Beta blockers were at one time the first choice treatment for high blood pressure and are still often used for this reason. However, the role of beta blockers in blood pressure treatment is changing and they are now thought to be less effective than other drugs, particularly in the elderly, and there is some evidence that the most frequently used beta-blockers can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

If you are taking a beta blocker then you may well experience fatigue or lethargy.
Fatigue is the commonest beta blocker side effect. Some people also experience heavy limbs and impaired exercise tolerance.

Tiredness due to beta blockers often varies depending on the particular beta blocker you are taking. Some beta blockers almost always cause fatigue (atenolol is particularly bad for this) while others are less prone to causing tiredness or lethargy.

If you have fatigue due to beta blocker drugs then you should discuss this with your doctor at your next visit.

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