Are you tired?  Most people claim to be.  When we’re tired, it’s really hard to get the things done that we want to get done, and even harder to get the things done someone else (like our boss) wants us to get done.

Here are 4 common reasons people are tired, along with suggestions for improvement.

1.  Bad eating

It seems like a no-brainer, especially these days when there’s so much information out there about healthy eating.  However, even though we know what to do, it’s not always easy to do it.  Be honest with yourself and consider how much sugar you’ve been consuming, or how many white starches you’ve been eating (white bread, white pasta, etc.).  When your blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly, the body has to work hard to keep things under control, and it’s exhausting!

Be sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins and low glycemic carbs.  This is the mainstay of almost all successful eating plans.  If you’ve tried to eat this way and you don’t feel satisfied or you feel a little nauseous, one reason might be because your diet is really out of whack.  In fact, many health experts believe that the worse you feel when you start eating a healthy diet, the worse your diet must have been before you started.  So, the worse you feel when you eat well, the more you need to eat that way.

2.  Bad sleep

Insufficient sleep or poor quality sleep is guaranteed to make a person tired.  Not only that, but being sleep deprived makes everything else more difficult, especially eating properly.  When you’re sleep deprived, you crave high glycemic foods more intensely, and your will power to stay away from them is compromised because you’re tired.

Be sure you’re sleeping in a fully darkened room free of disturbances.  Do your best to ensure your bed and your pillow are comfortable and that the temperature of the room is conducive to sleep.  Most people prefer temperatures around 68 – 70 F or 19 – 20 C.

Consider a sleep supplement such as melatonin.  Better yet, consider a sleep spray that contains melatonin, L-theanine, and safe, natural herbs that work to help you fall sleep more quickly and to stay asleep.

You might be an unknowing sufferer of sleep apnea.  This condition is escalating in importance as health care experts gain understanding of the connection between poor sleep and other health problems.  A sleep study is required to diagnose sleep apnea.  If you’re in the USA, you can find a certified facility at AACM Accredited Sleep Centers.  If you’re in Canada, go to Canadian Sleep Society to find a facility.

3.  Lack of exercise

It seems counter-intuitive that the expenditure of energy actually makes us more energetic.  But it’s true.  Many studies confirm that exercise boosts energy.  If you don’t have time to exercise, consider that exercise actually gives you more time in the day.  How is this possible?  It’s because you’ll have more energy and will accomplish more.  You’ll get tired later in the day than otherwise, giving you more usable daytime hours.  And you’ll be more awake in the morning.

How much exercise do you need?  If you’re a regular exerciser, you already know the benefits.  But if you’re a sporadic exerciser or a couch potato,  be heartened!  It doesn’t take a lot of exercise to start feeling noticeable increases in your energy level.  Start with a 10 minute walk in the morning, and over the next several weeks, work up to 20 minutes.  If you keep at it, you might even be inspired to walk longer or faster.

4.  Underlying symptoms

There are numerous medical reasons for fatigue, such as an underactive thyroid, a food intolerance, mild infection, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and others.  It’s important to get checked out by a physician to determine possible causes.  Often, when you’re too busy and too tired, it seems like a lot of effort to drag yourself to the doctor.  A lot of tired people just hope things will get better.  However, if you’ve ruled out the first three causes and you have no other idea why you’re so tired, don’t let any more time go by – – schedule that appointment!

(For information on a wonderful sleep spray as referenced in the article, contact me at chandra@hightimesuccess.com.  I have an excellent one for you.)