Do you feel like you are dragging your heels all day long? Sunnybrook neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Brian Murray offers some things to watch for.
Not enough shut-eye. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and yet many Canadians aren’t coming close to that. Too little sleep can decrease concentration, negatively affect mood and even play a role in weight gain.
Sleep apnea. This common condition causes your breathing to stop many times throughout the night. Sufferers aren’t always aware they may have sleep apnea, but snoring and feeling tired despite a full night’s rest is a serious red flag. Make sure you talk to your doctor about testing and treatment.
Problematic food and beverage choices. Too much fat and caffeine can affect your ability to fall asleep, and also the quality of your sleep. Alcohol can fragment sleep. Also, consume caffeine earlier in the day.
More serious disease. In some people, fatigue may be a symptom of a bigger health issue, like diabetes, heart disease, hypothyroidism, depression, narcolepsy or iron deficiency. To be certain, you’ll need to talk to your doctor to determine the root cause of the problem or obtain a referral to a sleep specialist.
Other tips. Make sure to practice good sleep hygiene, meaning keeping your bedroom cool and dark, keep a regular sleep and wake time, and avoid computer screen time in the evening. Exercise in the daytime is also helpful, particularly with outdoor light exposure.
