Do you feel the effects of late afternoon fatigue in your day? Are you constantly fighting to stay awake on the job?
Feeling sleepy during the day is far more common than you may think, so don't feel alone.
It is evident that we are living in a world of some really exhausted people! Is it any wonder though? From the food that we eat on the run to the lifestyles that we're locked into, we are all setting ourselves up for the late afternoon humdrums.
Some of us are seeking employment, some of us have boring jobs, some of us have jobs that keep us moving all day or night, and some of us sit at a desk for eight hours or more. No one is immune from late afternoon fatigue and all work conditions leave you susceptible to feeling a bit overwhelmed and tired. If you have afternoon fatigue and can't figure out why, here are a few things to consider and try.
Tips for Late Afternoon Fatigue
Are you getting enough calories? - If you're not eating enough during the day, your body will react to it. Sometimes a small piece of candy or a piece of fruit will perk you right up if you're reacting to low blood sugar.
Are you getting the right amount of sleep? - Some people need minimal sleep, some people need at least 8 hours or more. Everyone is different! If you're not getting 8 hours of sleep a night you may need more. On the other hand, if you're getting too much sleep it can really make you draggy and you maybe getting too much sleep.
You have to find the amount of sleep you need for your body. Common sense should lead the way. If you're only getting 6 hours sleep and you wake up sleepy, you need more sleep. If you're getting 8 hours sleep and you consistently wake up at 4am, you're getting too much. (And so on...)
Are you drinking enough water? - Most people swear they're drinking lots of water during the day but dehydration is the #1 reason that people get sleepy throughout the day.
To find out if water is the culprit, do this:
When you start to get sleepy, drink a glass of water. If you're still sleepy after a few minutes, drink another one. Keep repeating this until you start feeling more alert. (Usually 3 or 4 tall glasses of water will do it.) Your body might just need more water than its getting although you may truly think you drink plenty of it.
Dehydration is more often than not, the main reason you get sleepy.
If this method doesn't work for you, then at least you'll know its not dehydration that's making you sleepy and you can focus on another cause.
Are you taking a break? - You may just need to get up and move around a bit or do some stretches. Or get some fresh air if that's possible.
When I'm working long hours on the computer at home, I blow dry my face with cool air or stick my head in the freezer. (Too funny right?) It really helps me wake up a bit though, so don't knock it till ya try it!
Wheat gluten can make you sleepy! - If you eat a sandwich for lunch it could be the bread in your sandwich thats making you sleepy. Most blood types are allergic to the glutens in wheat and other various grains, especially blood type O. Gluten lectins inhibit your insulin metabolism, which interferes with the efficient use of calories for energy. For some people, eating gluten is like putting the wrong gas in your car. Instead of giving you energy, it depletes it.
Are you getting proper nutrition? Without the proper nutrients, you are fighting a battle to stay awake that you can't win. Maybe your body is lacking some of the essential vitamins it needs to function correctly. Be sure to get extra vitamin supplements daily as you age. As with everything else, your body doesn't naturally supply enough of the essential vitamins you need. Demands at our jobs also increase, which makes us expend even more energy. Be sure to get the right vitamins you need to fight off late afternoon fatigue.
Just taking glutathione or NAC can really help you. I call them natures natural boosters! Deficiencies in B12 can also cause sleepiness so be sure to get your B Vitamins too!
Healing Herbs - Many herbs are used to boost your energy. Ginkgo Biloba is one herb that's helped many people. Be sure if you're on medication, to check with your doctor first. Some herbs can interfere with their action or are contraindicated for it's use.
Emotional fatigue - This is typically caused by stress but boy, it can also make you feel tired as all get out! Maybe you've overextended yourself or something else is causing you grief. Whatever the cause, to get over feeling tired, you'll need to find a way to de-stress, even if that means a change in schedule! Getting some light exercise (like going for walks or bicycling) can really help lift your spirits. Also friends are a great way to 'talk out' whatever is bothering you. The sooner you address the issues, the sooner you'll feel energized again.
Anemia - Anemia affects about 3.5 million Americans alone. For women in childbearing years, anemia is a common cause of fatigue. Women who have heavy menstrual cycles, fibroid tumors, or uterine polyps are most susceptible to iron deficiencies.
Anemia can also be the result of hemorrhoids, GI problems such as ulcers, or cancer. Other causes of anemia include a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Diabetes and kidney disease can also cause anemia.
The best way to remedy anemia is to take an iron supplement. Foods that are rich in iron such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat, can also be consumed to help relieve symptoms. Vitamin C taken with meals or with iron supplements, increase iron absorption and improves symptoms.
Allergies - If you've been sneezing or coughing a lot recently, it may be common seasonal allergies that are causing your fatigue. One way to reduce symptoms is to simply take non-drowsy allergy medications. If you're allergic to pet dander, you can take medications for that too or simply avoid the offending allergen.
Always remember to eat healthy foods and eat more healthy meals. The healthier you are, the less late afternoon fatigue will be a problem for you! When you get good nutrition, your body rewards you for it!
So the next time you're at work and start yawning, try drinking several glasses of water, or try something different if what you're already doing isn't working! Late afternoon fatigue can be eliminated with some perseverance! Also learn how to to boost your energy naturally! These helpful tips will also help you save money! No doctor required!
is one herb that's helped many people. Be sure if you're on medication, to check with your doctor first. Some herbs can interfere with their action or are contraindicated for it's use.
. If you're allergic to pet dander, you can take medications for that too or simply avoid the offending allergen.
, increase iron absorption and improves symptoms.
