1. Maybe You’re Depressed

If you have depression, you may be well aware of that fact. On the other hand, maybe you just think you’re down and it will pass. Either way, being depressed can cause tiredness during the day. When you feel down in the dumps, your body produces more stress hormones, which get in the way of proper sleep. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how to tone it down so you can sleep better and spend your days feeling wide awake.

2. You Aren’t Getting Enough Nutrients in Your Diet

Do you eat a lot of fast food or take out? You may be suffering nutrient deficiencies that are making your tired. Your body needs adequate amounts of several vitamins and minerals to regulate sleep cycles and promote alertness. That includes magnesium and iron. Restaurant food isn’t well-known for being super healthy so beat your sluggishness by cooking more at home. Seeds, fruits, veggies and lean meats should get you where you need to be.

3. Dehydration Will Make You Tired

Much like your body needs certain foods to stay awake, it also needs adequate amounts of fluid. Being dehydrated makes your body work harder, which leaves you feeling depleted and worn out. Start carrying a water bottle with you and take drinks often to keep your body well hydrated and alert.

4. Your Pet Sleeps with You

Sometimes it’s nice to curl up with your dog or cat, but letting them slumber with you all night might be the cause of your daytime sleepiness. Your pet probably moves around during sleep, disturbing you even if you don’t always wake up. It might sound harsh, but kicking Fido or Fluffball out of your bed might be the ticket to feeling more awake all day long.

5. You’re Overweight or Obese

Carrying around too much extra weight causes all sorts of health issues and sleep disturbances are just one of them. Research shows that certain compounds in body fat induce sleepiness, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic in the middle of the day. Dropping some weight will make you feel better overall, including helping you feel more awake.

6. You Might Have a Hormone Imbalance

There are many things that can screw with a woman’s hormones, from PMS to pregnancy to menopause. As you get older, your testosterone levels go down, which can leave you feeling fatigued. The good news is that eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can really help balance your hormones and contribute to healthy energy levels.

7. You Could Be Insulin Resistant

Insulin resistance is a contributor to diabetes. If this is the case for you, your body isn’t efficiently using sugars to give you energy, which can leave you feeling tired all the time. If you have tried everything and you’re still fatigued when you shouldn’t be, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor to have your health checked. Insulin resistance can be reversed, but it can also lead to full blown diabetes if left untreated.

Are you tired? What do you think is the reason?