All of us need a little rest and relaxation sometimes, as general wear and tear to our systems and mind can happen just going through everyday life. However, in some cases, that sense of being worn out can be something else entirely, and there are a few things to examine and think about before writing that tiredness off as just needing a vacation.

There could be a number of reasons why you are feeling extra sluggish, and many of them have simple solutions such as lifestyle changes or a visit to a doctor.

Sleep Apnea

The first thing to question is if you are getting an adequate amount of sleep and good quality sleep. You may be keeping a rigid sleep schedule and still wake up feeling tired every morning. This is a telltale sign that you are waking every night without knowing it, or not sleeping as deeply as you may think you are. Sleep apnea may be the issue.

If you have ever been told you snore, wake with a dry mouth, or never wake up feeling refreshed and energized, then it may be time to talk to your doctor about the possibilities of having sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can put a strain on your heart as well, so it is important to get it checked out.

Depression

While it may be difficult for some people to take a step back and look within themselves, there is no shame in struggling with a mental issue such as depression or anxiety. 6.7% of the adult population has been diagnosed with depression, and millions more go undiagnosed and untreated every year.

The stigma around mental illness is improving, and it is important to understand that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you suspect you are depressed, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor, a family member, or reach out to a hotline or specialist.

Remember, depression does automatically mean a person is suicidal, it can simply mean feelings of persistent sadness.

Chronic Stress

Many people these days are under a consistent level of stress. It may be with their personal life, but more often work is the cause of these stressful situations. Especially for persons in leadership positions, chronic stress can be a fact of everyday life that is causing them to feel rundown, tired, worn out, and even angry and irritable at times.

Try to pause and look at what is going on in your normal days. Are you working extra long hours or dealing with a stressful situation? Perhaps your company is changing and growing and you are unsure about your future, or you’re frustrated with trying to help the growth. If any of these sound true to you, a vacation and a good rest may be in order.

Hormone Levels

Hormones control everything in our bodies, and hormone levels that are out of whack can cause a huge list of symptoms, including tiredness and exhaustion. If you are a woman, going through menopause can wreak havoc on your body, throw your hormones completely out of balance, and cause major amounts of tiredness.

It is also possible that if you’ve been feeling extra exhausted lately, your thyroid levels may be to blame. An underactive thyroid can lead to a myriad of symptoms, such as feeling cold all the time, excessive hair loss, and of course, crushing fatigue that will not go away.

Nutritional Deficiencies

What we put into our bodies is extremely important not only for our physical health but for our mental and overall well-being. A deficiency in many different vitamins and minerals can cause feelings of tiredness. Especially if you are a busy business person and always on the go, it can be difficult to get the nutrition you need if you are not great at supplementing your diet with a multivitamin.

Not having the proper amount of nutrients can cause anemia, contribute to heart disease, and even lead to diabetes.

Living a regular, busy adult life does not have to mean that you should feel tired and worn out all the time. If you are struggling with regular tiredness, be sure to keep these things in mind and talk to your doctor to figure out an easy solution.