Why We Feel Tired

'I feel tired' is a common complaint that we hear very often. But why do so many people suffer from frequent tiredness? Actually there are many different reasons for a person to feel tired. The majority of individuals can get over tiredness by simply getting a good night's sleep. However chronic fatigue is when you constantly feel tired. Typical symptoms include:

- Lack of energy

- Daytime sleeping

- Poor concentration

- Difficulty making decisions

- Feeling depressed

- Loss of motivation

Much of the time tiredness is due to a combination of factors. The main causes can be both physical and emotional.

Being overweight or underweight can cause tiredness

If you are tired you will most likely avoid physical activity. It takes more energy for overweight individuals to perform activities and conversely an underweight individual doesn't have enough energy or muscle strength. The end result for both body types is that they feel tired just performing everyday tasks.

Some medical conditions can cause tiredness

An over active or under active thyroid can cause feelings of fatigue. Anaemia is another possible reason for feeling tired all the time. Individuals that suffer from insomnia do not get a good night's sleep and feel tired throughout the day.

Stress and worry are emotional causes of tiredness

Feeling out of control very frequently drains people of their energy. Stressful situations like grief, work problems and finances can also cause tiredness. More serious mental health problems like depression can also cause fatigue.

Lifestyle is a major factor

Being continually on the go, with rushed meals will affect your ability to sleep properly and cause you to feel tired most of the time. Parents with small children who don't sleep through the night get an interrupted sleep. Sleeping during the day can prevent you from sleeping at night. Shift work that constantly changes can disturb your body rhythms and your natural sleep clock making you feel tired.

To overcome tiredness you need to try to improve your sleep routine. Here are a few tips that will help:

- Try not to drink caffeinated products just before going bed

- Don't smoke before bed

- Don't take naps during the day

- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

- Don't watch TV in bed before going to sleep

You can also make lifestyle changes to help you sleep better. Eating healthy food and getting regular exercise will help a lot. Energy drinks are popular these days, but many of them contain large amounts of caffeine and should be used carefully. Always check the label and go with the lower caffeine choice. Finally, if you have made lifestyle changes but still feel tired then you need to consult your doctor.

Insomnia Herbs - How to Use One Potent Herb to Overcome Insomnia

Simple, soothing, and sleep inducing - that is what some fans of passionflower tea say about its insomnia fighting powers.

What is Passionflower?

Passionflower is a flowering plant that grows naturally in the Americas, from the southern United States all the way down to Argentina. It is sometimes also referred to as Apricot Vine, Passion Vine, Granadilla, Maracoc and Maypops.

Passionflower has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, working to smooth the muscles of the body and to enhance digestion.

It also has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. In studies conducted since the 1930s, the way it works has been found to be different than that of most sedative drugs (sleeping pills). Passionflower does not produce any side effects and results in a restful, relaxing sleep with no grogginess the next morning.

For that reason it has become commonly used as an herb to promote relaxation and sleep. It also is approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness.

How to Use Passionflower for Improved Sleep

About one hour before bedtime, simply pour boiling water into your favorite mug over one teaspoon of dried passionflower. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes before drinking.

There are no reported side effects for passion flower at the suggested dosages. However, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women or children under the age of two. If already taking a sedative or tranquilizer, consult a health care professional before using passion flower.

Where to find Passionflower.

Most towns and cities have good herbal shops that will stock Passionflower. If you have difficulty finding it there, you will easily be able to find it online.

And finally, Passionflower is likely to help with occasional insomnia, but it may not be enough for regular or persistent cases of sleeplessness.

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