Exhausted Right Now No Matter How Much You Sleep? This Might Be Why
Everyone who knows me will be sick to the back teeth of me banging on about my insomnia (it’s gotten so bad that I recently tried sleeping like a ‘Medieval peasant’ to fix my Circadian rhythm).
But that’s the thing about exhaustion, isn’t it? It ruins your waking life, too – and if poor sleep is left untreated for long enough, it may even affect your dementia risk and longevity.
Still, the causes behind fatigue may not be as simple as getting enough of the right kind of sleep. Some researchers think that getting in touch with our “body clock” is more important than the amount of hours’ kip we get, for instance.
Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Babak Ashrafi, a GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, said something as simple as seasonal allergies might be to blame for your sleepless nights right now.
How can hay fever leave me fatigued if I still get enough sleep?
The doctor said it’s not just the fact that hay fever can rob you of your sleep (which it often does).
Even those who get a “normal” amount of sleep might still feel more fatigued than usual, Dr Ashrafi said.
That’s because any allergy, hay fever included, sends your body’s immune system into overdrive while it works to fight off antibodies (it’s a bit like why you get so tired when you have a cold).
“The body’s immune response to allergens like pollen can be physically draining, leaving sufferers feeling unusually tired or sluggish,” the doctor told us.
“Constant sneezing, a blocked nose, and disrupted sleep caused by hay fever can make day-to-day life exhausting. Managing symptoms effectively is key to maintaining energy levels during allergy season.”
How can I tackle hay fever fatigue?
Aside from protecting yourself as much as possible from pollen, the doctor advises chatting to a pro.
“Antihistamines can help ease symptoms, but some types may cause drowsiness,” he said.
“I often recommend speaking to a pharmacist about non-drowsy options to help tackle hay fever without impacting your energy.”
No matter what you think the cause is, the NHS suggested you should see a doctor about any sleep issues that affect your day-to-day life – and visit a GP if issues last for months, too.