Why Am I Always Tired?

hedwighigh
hedwighigh Posts: 299
in Health and Weight Loss
Alright, I upped my exercise from 30 minutes, 5 times a week to an hour, 5 times a week. This made me incredibly tired so I figured I wasn't eating enough and my body wasn't getting enough fuel. From here, I upped my calories to maintenance. I do not eat exercise calories back and frankly, I don't log my exercise. I figure this way I would minimize the muscle loss from eating less calories (now I don't understand how I used to eat only 1200 calories)

. But I'm still really tired. Last night I went to bed around 12 and woke up around 9-9:30. I usually get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. I drink 12+ cups of water a day too.

Replies

  • chuckles217
    chuckles217 Posts: 123 Member
    Could be other things than the exercise.

    Are you getting quality sleep? Too much sleep? Irregular sleep cycle (going to bed and getting up at different times each day).
    It could be psychogenic as depression among many other mood disorders can cause fatigue.
  • hedwighigh
    hedwighigh Posts: 299
    I'm starting to wonder if it's because of a decrease in caffeine actually.
    I was drinking 1-2 medium sized diet sodas and several cups of coffee (mainly cause I was so cold).
    Now it's too hot for coffee and I haven't had a diet coke in almost a week. But I still have some tea which has caffeine.
    Going from sometimes 5-7 cups of something with caffeine a day (maybe more) to 1-2 cups a day could very well be the culprit.
  • erikkasusann
    erikkasusann Posts: 104
    Obviously this is a rather personal thing, but is depression an issue? I'm bipolar, and I find that when I'm not treating it properly (no matter what my exercise or diet looks like) I'm exhausted all the time. This was one of the major factors in my diagnosis, which has been more than helpful in solving numerous issues. Quality sleep is also worth looking at, the time you spend in bed resting isn't necessarily good sleep. Hope you find your solution!
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    Are you getting enough iron? B-12?

    This can also make you sleepy. Thyroid issues as well.
  • wonderwomanwannaB
    wonderwomanwannaB Posts: 111
    I think you hit the nail on the head with the caffeine. Maybe try some iced coffee to meet halfway then ween yourself off slowly so it's not such a drop.
  • theartichoke
    theartichoke Posts: 816 Member
    Are you constantly tired or does it hit at a certain time? Like after meals or at 4 or 5 each day? If after you adjust to the caffeine there's no improvement, or depression isn't an issue like it has been for me, there are a few other culprits I'm aware of. You may not be sleeping well at night. FitBit has a sleep tracker that can let you know if you suspect it's an issue. If it's after meals you may have slight insulin resistance...a simple blood test and change in diet can fix that. Thyroid and adrenal problems can cause you to be overly tired as well. A process of elimination and a trip to the GP, if you feel it's necessary, should help you find the answer.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    Alright, I upped my exercise from 30 minutes, 5 times a week to an hour, 5 times a week. This made me incredibly tired so I figured I wasn't eating enough and my body wasn't getting enough fuel. From here, I upped my calories to maintenance. I do not eat exercise calories back and frankly, I don't log my exercise. I figure this way I would minimize the muscle loss from eating less calories (now I don't understand how I used to eat only 1200 calories)

    . But I'm still really tired. Last night I went to bed around 12 and woke up around 9-9:30. I usually get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. I drink 12+ cups of water a day too.

    Log your exercise and eat back your cals and report back. I bet a million hundred billion thousand million dollars you aren't eating enough.
  • happypath101
    happypath101 Posts: 534
    The change in caffeine seems reasonable. My first thought was around iron. You could take a multi-vitamin and get that covered. Don't forget - you're making major changes. Sometimes that's just tiring! :O)

    One more thought - how are you doing with the sugar and simple carbs? I am such a carb fiend and I notice that when I'm indulging in these two things (they always go together for me), I will be SO tired. I can eat this stuff and still stay within my caloric limit (darn those 100 calorie snack packs), but they definately put me on a sugar high/crash that exhausts me.

    Take care!
  • jenj1313
    jenj1313 Posts: 898 Member
    If you think it's from the caffeine decrease, you could try adding in tea... lots of antioxidants, less caffeine than soda and generally better for you. Even green tea has some caffeine in it. Given that's your suspicion, I'd try that first, then see a doctor if it doesn't improve. I personally am tired all the time b/c I don't sleep enough, but that doesn't sound like it's your issue.

    Good luck!
    Jen

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