Why am I So Tired During the Day?

Do you often find yourself asking, “Why am I so tired during the day?” Daytime fatigue is a common issue that can affect your mood, productivity, and overall quality of life. While there are many reasons you might feel constantly tired, one overlooked cause is insomnia. Surprisingly, many people who experience daytime tiredness may be clinically classed as having insomnia - even if they don’t realise it.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of daytime fatigue, explain what insomnia really means, and provide insights into how you can address the root causes to feel more energised.

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Why Am I Tired All the Time?

Feeling excessively tired during the day can be caused by several factors, including:

• Poor sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep leads to insufficient rest.
• Lifestyle habits: Irregular sleep schedules, late-night screen use, or heavy meals before bed.
• Underlying medical conditions: Issues like anaemia, thyroid problems, or sleep apnoea.
• Mental health conditions: Stress, anxiety, or depression can disrupt your ability to rest deeply.

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But one major—and often underdiagnosed—cause of daytime fatigue is insomnia.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is more than just struggling to fall asleep. Clinically, it’s defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to return to sleep, despite having the opportunity to do so. It must also lead to daytime impairments like fatigue, poor concentration, or mood changes.

Many people mistakenly think insomnia only applies if they’re lying awake all night. In reality, you could be getting some sleep but still meet the criteria for insomnia if the quality or timing of your sleep leaves you feeling tired during the day.‍

How Insomnia Causes Daytime Tiredness

When you don’t get enough restorative sleep, your body and brain can’t fully recover. This can lead to:

• Low energy levels: Feeling physically drained and unmotivated.
• Impaired cognitive function: Trouble focusing, memory problems, and slower thinking.
• Mood changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness.

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Even if you don’t realise it, insomnia might be the hidden reason behind your constant tiredness.

What Can You Do About Daytime Fatigue?

If you suspect insomnia is contributing to your daytime tiredness, here are some steps you can take:

1. Address Underlying Health Issues:
   Consult a healthcare professional to rule out medical or mental health conditions that might be contributing to your fatigue.
2. Monitor Your Sleep Patterns:
   Keeping a sleep diary can help you identify habits or triggers that are affecting your rest.
3. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene:some text
   • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
   • Avoid screens and stimulants like caffeine before bed.
   • Create a calm, dark, and cool sleeping environment.
4. Consider Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi):
   CBTi is the first-line treatment for insomnia and focuses on improving your sleep patterns through behavioural changes.

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In summary, daytime tiredness is a common problem, and insomnia may be the hidden culprit. Even if you don’t think you have insomnia, difficulty getting high-quality sleep can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and unmotivated. By understanding the root cause of your tiredness and addressing it with strategies like CBTi, you can improve your energy levels and overall well-being. Sleepio is a CBT-I treatment that works with you to develop a personalised insomnia treatment plan, empowering you to challenge negative thought patterns, establish healthy sleep habits, and enjoy restful nights of sleep.

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