Fatigue remains one of the most common problems reported to doctors with around 31 percent of adults over the age of 51 claiming that they are chronically fatigued. The thing that every patient should remember is that fatigue is not a disease, but often a symptom of another issue that must be resolved before any improvements will be noticed. For those that continue to be tired after a good night's rest or cannot seem to get a good night's rest, here are some medical problems you may have not considered.
Anemia
Anemia is the medical term for anyone that has an ongoing iron deficiency, and this condition can take place for any number of reasons. For most patients, anemia is the result of their body no longer processing iron efficiently. Iron is one of the primary building blocks of red blood cells that get oxygen to the brain and muscles. When the body does not have enough iron, patients will often note that they feel constantly tired, are unable to motivate themselves, and that their muscles feel particularly heavy.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is the term given to a number of conditions that cause the respiratory system to no longer work properly after falling asleep. When there is not enough oxygen going to the brain, then the body will not be able to restore its energy levels and enter into the REM stage of sleep. This condition is generally characterized by loud snoring, waking up out of breath, and never feeling wide awake during the day. Smokers, those that drink heavily, and obese patients are at the highest risk of developing sleep apnea.
A Hormone Imbalance
As we age, certain glands throughout the body will no longer produce or effectively use certain hormones. When this takes place and a hormonal imbalance has developed, patients may want to consider their options for hormone replacement therapy. Also referred to as HRT, hormone replacement therapy from Genemedics Health Institute will help the body to once again produce or more efficiently use cortisol, testosterone, melatonin and other hormones.
Restless Leg Syndrome
This is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a deep aching in the legs or a constant compulsion to move the legs. Quite often, this takes place while a person is trying to fall asleep or has just fallen asleep. RLS not only affects how much a person will sleep, but the quality of their sleep as well. Some of the most common causes of RLS include kidney failure, pregnancy, diabetes, and the use of certain medication.
Being uncomfortably fatigued at all times is not a simple fact of having a busy life. There are often underlying issues that must be treated first in order to prevent any serious consequences.
By Meghan Belnap
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