Why am I so Tired?
Well, according to a new study by the National Sleep Foundation reported in Yahoo, a full third of Americans now have no need to ask themselves why they are living in a state of constant fatigue.
For one third of Americans the answer to 'why am I so tired?' is simple: they aren't sleeping well. The current economic turmoil has been sinking its teeth into every sector and is now taking a bite out of the bedroom.
The current turmoil is no longer limited to those whose lives have already been beaten on. Now it's also anyone whose life might be impacted. Only 10% of those surveyed had already lost a job. Fear and anxiety are keeping up at night many of us who used to sleep soundly.
Here's the kicker: the same people who are losing sleep due to money worries also report that the lack of sleep is making it harder for them to work well, exercise, eat well, or want to socialize either at work or family events.
In other words, the lack of good sleep and the constantly feeling tired may in itself bring about exactly what we're lying awake worrying about!
Yikes! Time to do something different!
Here are a few questions to answer and simple steps that could make a big difference.
- What are your regular activities from 2 -3 hours before bedtime till you hit the hay? TV? Computer games? Whatever it is, beginning as far back as three hours before your regular sleep time, your habits should start winding you down. Perhaps drink a relaxing tea in place of soda and munchies. Read something calming. Meditate. Listen to soothing music. Take a bath. I don't know what works for you. But you do.
- What do you have in your bedroom? If it's anything other than what you need for sleep and sex GET IT OUT! That means TV, computer, books... Imagine. Only sleep and lovemaking in a bedroom.
- How does your sleeping room look? Keep your bedroom clean, well-aired, and with a quiet feeling. Keep clean cotton sheets and comfortable pillows and blankets on the bed.
- What does the ideal sleeping room look like for you? Is it darker, quieter, painted a different color? What is in there to make it more soothing? Commit to making the most essential changes.
- Is there anything you know bugs you in the night? NOW would be the time to take action. This could be anything from neighbors' cats or dogs to a snoring partner or loud music or TVs. You can do this gently, but firmly.
- Is it your haven? Remember your bedroom is meant for rest and sex. Keep the rest of the world at bay.
Now that we're in agreement about the essentials, you have many tools to turn "Why am I so tired?" into history. Or, there may still be some of you who made changes and still have difficulties sleeping - although hopefully only on occasion. If you are dealing with constant fatigue without any obvious reason please go see your doctor!
For everyone else, I couldn't agree more with the Foundation that "good sleep is essential to good health and is not negotiable." Where we part ways is I believe in finding natural alternatives FIRST. Sleep drugs can be highly addictive and have negative side-effects and unintended consequences. I'm not saying no one should ever use them, and anyway I'm not a doctor and don't give out medical information or prescribe.
I am saying that herbal sleep remedies, naturopathic sleep remedies and relaxing teas have a long history of support for sleep healthy sleep.
You don't need a sharp knife for warm toast; similarly you may want to try natural support before going a pharmaceutical route. So you won't have to ask yourself anymore 'Why am I so tired?'