Still looking and feeling downtrodden after an adequate night’s rest is a common problem.
Here are some reasons you can’t seem to wake up refreshed.
Sleep Disorders. You got a solid eight hours last night, so why the lifeless face in the morning? It could be that you got the quantity of sleep you needed, but not the quality. Common sleep disorders, such as snoring, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome, can cause people to wake briefly throughout the night. These interruptions affect your quality of sleep, causing you to appear (and feel!) tired and run down.
Anemia. Dark circles are a tired face’s favorite accessory, but what could be causing them if you’re well rested? Anemia could be the culprit, as this condition is often associated with an iron deficiency. A lack of iron can cause body tissues to be poorly oxygenated, leading to clotted and pooled blood vessels under the eyes. Other symptoms of anemia that could be making you look tired include pale skin and frequent colds. Anemia can also cause you to feel fatigued no matter how much sleep you get.
Thyroid Disease. Thyroid hormones control your metabolism. When these hormones vary from what’s normal, you can end up feeling exhausted even from the slightest of activities. Hyperthyroidism, which occurs when your body produces too much thyroid hormone, can cause fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and more. Hypothyroidism, which occurs when your body fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, also causes fatigue, among other symptoms.
Depression. If carrying on with your daily routine seems long, exhausting, and insurmountable, depression might be the root of the issue. While depression is experienced differently for everyone, some of the most common symptoms include low energy, a changed sleeping and eating pattern, hopeless feelings, and difficulty with memory and concentration.
Genetics. What if you don’t feel tired, but you just look that way? Even Sleeping Beauty couldn’t escape the dark shadows under her eyes if she was genetically prone to them. Inheriting puffy eyes and under-eye bags from your family can cause you to look groggy even on your perkiest of days. Dark circles are most common in African-Americans, Southeast Asians, and Southern Italians.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, getting started in the morning can be especially difficult. An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system turns against itself, attacking healthy joint tissue. Symptoms include fatigue and low energy, plus stiffness in and around the joints in the morning – getting your day off to a difficult start.
Diabetes. Glucose, more commonly known as sugar, is what fuels our body and keeps us running. People with diabetes can’t use glucose properly. Because they aren’t getting the energy they need, a common first symptom of those with diabetes is fatigue.
If you can’t seem to shake the look and feel of exhaustion, seek help from your doctor. While this list is a good starting point, there could be dozens of other culprits to your fatigue. Your doctor can help!
