Can Stress Make You Tired All The Time

You Have Muscle And Joint Pain

Do your shoulders hurt all the time? âOftentimes those with anxiety tense their muscles unknowingly and have a hard time relaxing their bodies,â Noel tells Bustle. âIf your fatigue is accompanied by body soreness/tension and you have not been working out, this may be a sign it was due to anxiety.â

You Wake Up A Lot During The Night

Waking up a lot during the night will obviously contribute to feelings of fatigue. But have you ever wondered why you keep waking up? “Perseverating on triggers like finances or relationships it challenging for the person to turn their head off,” Noel says. “This can cause a restless nightâs sleep and tiredness and fatigue in the morning.”

What Causes Excessive Sleepiness

Any condition that keeps you from getting good quantity and quality sleep at night can cause excessive sleepiness during the day. Daytime sleepiness may be the only symptom you know, but other signs, such as snoring or kicking, may be occurring while youre asleep.

For many people with sleep disorders, its a bed partner who observes other key symptoms. Regardless of the cause, its important to have your sleep condition evaluated if daytime sleepiness is keeping you from making the most of your day.

Among the more common causes of excessive sleepiness are:

Don’t Miss: What Relieves Stress And Depression

Psychological Causes Of Fatigue

Studies suggest that psychological factors are present in at least 50 per cent of fatigue cases. These may include:

• Depression this illness is characterised by severe and prolonged feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. People who are depressed commonly experience chronic fatigue.
• Anxiety and stress a person who is chronically anxious or stressed keeps their body in overdrive. The constant flooding of adrenaline exhausts the body, and fatigue sets in.
• Grief losing a loved one causes a wide range of emotions including shock, guilt, depression, despair and loneliness.

Your Diet Might Need Adjusting

Since stress taxes the bodys energy resources harder and faster than normal, chronic stress, such as that caused by overly apprehensive behavior, can deplete the body of important nutrients . This is especially true if you arent eating properly or regularly enough to replenish these nutrients. Being deficient in important nutrients can cause episodes of low energy. A visit to your doctor or Nutritional Practitioner can help determine if you have a deficiency, and if so, what those deficiencies are.

Moreover, if you havent adjusted your eating patterns to accommodate the rapid energy consumption, you might become tired or exhausted as your body runs out of fuel. Physical fatigue can also affect our emotional health.

Not eating correctly to accommodate the extra demand for fuel and being deficient in certain nutrients can cause episodes of low energy and fatigue.

Also Check: Can Your Chest Hurt From Stress

An Underlying Health Problem

Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and going through menopause can all make you feel tired, fed up and sluggish as well as disrupt your sleeping pattern.

People who have SAD need a lot of sunshine to boost their mood and energy levels, so much so that many buy light boxes to simulate sunshine during the winter. And if you suffer from depression or are struggling with the symptoms of the menopause there are natural ways you can boost your energy levels which will make you feel happier, more awake and help you cope with all that the menopause might throw at you!

There are other health problems which can make you tired too. These include Restless Leg Syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes, high and low blood pressure and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Talk to your doctor or health provider if you are concerned.

If youre feeling tired for longer than a couple of weeks, see your GP, says Dr Shah.

As soon as you notice any change in your appetite, you feel pain, notice blood in your stools or urine, or are worried about any other symptoms, go and see your doctor.

The Adverse Effects Of Hyperstimulation

When stress responses occur infrequently, the body can recover relatively quickly from the physiological, psychological, and emotional changes the stress response brings about. When stress responses occur too frequently, however, such as from overly apprehensive behavior or a major stressor, the body has a more difficult time recovering, which can result in the body remaining in a state of semi stress response readiness. We call this state stress-response hyperstimulation since stress hormones are stimulants . Hyperstimulation can keep the survival mechanism somewhat engaged, which can prevent the body from recovering.

Chronic activation of the survival mechanism can deplete the bodys energy resources resulting in a chronic state of exhaustion. As long as the body is prevented from recovering and rebuilding its energy stores, you can feel chronically exhausted and without energy.

Recommended Reading: How To Deal With Stress Naturally

Manage Fatigue From Anxiety With A Broader Approach

None of us have unlimited resources, though a lot of anxiety, depression and bipolar sufferers have a surprising amount of energy. Anxiety is energy, for that matter. It’s just not that useful when it comes in the form of panic attacks or negative thinking and worry.

Anxiety disorders wreak merry mayhem with your ability to recover from things like a poor night’s sleep. Maybe you don’t necessarily need more sleep. Maybe it takes a broader approach to control anxiety.

So, what are you doing to treat anxiety? Breaking free from anxiety is about somewhat nebulous things: mindfulness, the absence or presence of joy or peace, support, and those anxiety coping skills I’m always on about.

Don’t know any coping skills? Here’s one:

Think of a cup. That cup contains what I’ll go ahead and call my daily allowance of useful energy.

• Is there enough to get me through the day?
• How will I use it, and how strict do I need to be?

You don’t want a dried-out cup by midday. I like leftovers, because I’m not that sure tomorrow won’t be harder, that I won’t stumble or have a panic attack. Planning your day based on your energy level gives you an honest idea of what you can do in the following hours without overpromising or accepting challenges that will take too much out of you.

Follow Me on

SaraCindy BrooksMomo7kateJoe wilder

Steve Conway I’m in sc also is there anyway possible for me to talk with u thanks

Jessica ChalinorRobert AmosSuzylizette velaCaringjodiCLOUD

Sleeping Through The Pandemic

Since the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK, many of our sleeping schedules have been broken. A new study by Kings College London and Ipsos MORI found that significant numbers of people have experienced changes to their sleep patterns since lockdown was first announced in the UK on 23 March.

The research showed that half the population has had more disturbed sleep than usual, while three in 10 people say theyve slept for longer but feel less rested than they normally would.

Professor Bobby Duffy, who is the director of the Policy Institute at Kings College London has outlined the negative effect that lockdown is having on our sleep. Nearly two-thirds of the UK public report some negative impact on their sleep from the Covid-19 crisis, clearly showing just how unsettling the pandemic and lockdown measures have been for a very large proportion us.

And this is clearly tied to both how stressful weve found the virus itself, and how much we fear the impact of the lockdown on our employment and finances.

He says its actually young people who have experienced the biggest change to their sleep both for positive and negative reasons. They are more likely than older people to say theyve experienced negative impacts on their sleep, but also more likely to say theyve slept better. As with so much about Covid-19, the crisis is affecting people very differently depending on their circumstances, and that includes the most fundamental aspects of life, such as sleep.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Control Stress

How Is Narcolepsy Diagnosed

Your first step in a narcolepsy diagnosis is often a visit to your primary care doctor.

Theyll go over your medical history to rule out other possible causes of excessive daytime fatigue despite getting an adequate amount of sleep, such as sleep apnea, medical disorders, depression, or a medication youre taking. Your doctor will then refer you to a sleep specialist.

The sleep specialist will go over your medical history. If they think its likely you have narcolepsy, theyll recommend two separate sleep studies.

The first sleep study, called a polysomnogram, is a test that measures your quality of sleep. The second test is a multiple sleep latency test , which will measure how quickly you fall asleep and when you enter the REM phase of sleep.

Youll need to stop taking certain medications, such as stimulants and antidepressants, in the weeks before the sleep studies. Your sleep specialist will let you know which medications to stop taking and when to stop taking them.

Its also important to let your sleep specialist know your normal schedule so that your tests can be scheduled at the best time. For example, if you normally work overnight and sleep during the day, your sleep study may be held during daytime hours.

What Medical Conditions Cause Fatigue

Hundreds of conditions and disorders lead to fatigue. Some of the most common causes of fatigue include:

• Disease and infection: Cancer, kidney disease and multiple sclerosis are just a few diseases that cause fatigue. Fatigue can also be a sign of infections such as mononucleosis, HIV and flu.
• Mental health conditions: Fatigue from depression or anxiety may make it difficult or impossible to perform daily activities.
• Autoimmune disorders: Fatigue is a symptom of many autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Hormonal imbalances: Problems with your endocrine system can lead to exhaustion. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of fatigue.
• Chronic conditions:Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia cause severe, long-lasting fatigue.
• Heart and lung problems: Fatigue is a common symptom of cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , emphysema and congestive heart failure.
• Deficiencies:Anemia and other vitamin deficiencies are often responsible for fatigue. Dehydration can cause fatigue because the body needs plenty of fluids to function.
• Weight problems and eating disorders:Anorexia, bulimia, obesity or being underweight can lead to fatigue and a range of other symptoms.

Read Also: How Can You Cope With Stress

You Have The Urge To Crawl Into Bed Even When Socializing

Feeling the urge to crawl into your bed, even when you’re interacting with co-workers or out with friends, could be a sign of anxiety. “Anxiety can create a desire to retreat to a place that feels safe and less stressful,” Dr. Manly says. “Feelings of sleepiness can be a signal from the body and mind that a long ‘time out’ is needed to recover. However, rest isnât effective as the individual unconsciously repeats the anxious thoughts and behaviors day after day.”

Can Emotions Cause Fatigue

Are you fearful about the future? Do you worry about your health and who will take care of you? Are you afraid you are no longer needed? Emotional stresses like these can take a toll on your energy. Fatigue can be linked to many conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Stress from financial or personal problems
• Feeling that you no longer have control over your life

Not getting enough sleep can also contribute to fatigue. Regular physical activity can improve your sleep. It may also help reduce feelings of depression and stress while improving your mood and overall well-being. Yoga, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy could also help you get more rest. Talk with your doctor if your mental well-being is affecting your sleep or making you tired.

Don’t Miss: Does Stress Cause Neck Pain

Low On Energy It May Not Be Depression

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

• Tips for More Energy

Depression is a common cause of fatigue, so you might be wondering whether your fatigue is a result of depression. But just because you’re tired all the time doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re depressed.

The fact is there are many underlying conditions that could be responsible for feeling tired all the time. From mood disorders to issues affecting your physical health like chronic fatigue syndrome, the following psychiatric and medical conditions are some of the most common ailments associated with fatigue.

But first, it’s important to note that many of these conditions share symptoms similar to depression, so we’ll start there. By understanding the distinctions between depression and other factors that cause fatigue, you can seek out the right treatment and start to feel like your energetic self again.

What Does Anxiety Do To Your Body

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or apprehension. It can be brought on by a stressful event or by the way you think about an event. Sometimes people feel anxious even when there doesnt seem to be an external trigger at all.

When you perceive a threat, your hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands release a torrent of hormones to prepare you to fight, flee, or freeze. In response, you might feel any or all of these physical symptoms:

• shaking
• nausea
• diarrhea

Given the surge of hormones and the intensity of these symptoms, it isnt hard to imagine why youd feel tired after a bout of anxiety. You might feel relieved, drained, or even exhausted.

Most of the time, a good nights sleep is enough to restore your energy levels. Sometimes, however, the tired feeling doesnt go away as quickly as youd like.

Fatigue is a persistent feeling of being either mentally or physically tired. It may feel like a lack of energy, a lack of motivation, or a lack of strength.

The put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that women report feeling fatigued more often than men.

It can be brought on by any number of physical conditions, including:

• cancer

Also Check: How To De Stress And Reduce Anxiety

Physical Exhaustion Vs Stress Exhaustion

When we are physically exhausted, it is the result of something we did. You may work a physically demanding job or have completed a rigorous exercise regimen. Physical exhaustion is usually a choice we have made.

With rest, the proper food, and time to relax, we can easily recover from physical exhaustion. In some cases, it may take a few days, such as when you have exercised to the point of having sore muscles. However, with a day or two of taking care of yourself, the physical aspects of your exhaustion are gone, and you once again feel refreshed.

When your exhaustion comes from stress, it is different. It is a mental exhaustion, caused by worrying or the difficulty in coping with a situation in your life. It is a result of thoughts and feelings rather than physical exertion. You may have lived with stress for so long that you no longer see the negative consequences. You believe that this is “normal.” You may not know what is wrong with you and have accepted the constant feeling of being tired as part of your life.

How Is Fatigue Treated

To find out what is causing your fatigue, your doctor will ask you about any other symptoms and do a full examination. They may also order some blood tests or imaging tests, depending on what they think your condition might be.

Treatment will depend on the condition that is causing your fatigue. Sometimes, after treatment, you will feel better almost straight away. However, it might also take several weeks for your fatigue to lessen.

Non-medical treatments that have been shown to be effective for some people include mindfulness, meditation, yoga and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Read Also: Can Stress Cause Headaches For Days

Your Doctor May Also:

• take your sleep history, including how much sleep you get each night, what the quality of your sleep is like, and whether you snore, wake or stop breathing in the night
• do a physical examination to check for signs of illness or disease
• carry out tests to rule out physical causes, such as blood and urine tests.

How Can I Feel Less Tired

Some changes to your lifestyle can make you feel less tired. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep a fatigue diary to help you find patterns throughout the day when you feel more or less tired.
• Exercise regularly. Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. If you have concerns about starting an exercise program, ask your doctor if there are any activities you should avoid. Moderate exercise may improve your appetite, energy, and outlook. Some people find that exercises combining balance and breathing improve their energy.
• Try to avoid long naps late in the day. Long naps can leave you feeling groggy and may make it harder to fall asleep at night. Read A Good Nights Sleep for tips on getting better rest at night.
• Stop smoking.Smoking is linked to many diseases and disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems, which can drain your energy.
• Ask for help if you feel swamped. Some people have so much to do that just thinking about their schedules can make them feel tired. Working with others may help a job go faster and be more fun.

Recommended Reading: What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence