Feeling tired all of the time could be caused by not getting enough sleep, or by spending too much time at work. Tiredness that goes on for long periods of time isn’t normal, and may be caused by an underlying medical condition. But, taking some supplements may help you to feel more energetic, and less lethargic. One of the best ways to avoid feeling tired during the day is to take vitamin B12 supplements, it’s been claimed.
Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells, which help to deliver oxygen around the body.
Without enough B12 in your diet, it could leave you feeling fatigued or tired, warned the Harvard Medical School.
“Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time,” said the medical school.
“Given the array of symptoms a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause, the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else.”
But, you could also avoid feeling fatigued by regularly taking iron supplements, revealed nutrition specialist David Wiener.
Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to circulate oxygen to different parts of the body.
Iron is also needed for cells to properly develop and function. An iron deficiency could leave you feeling very tired.
“Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anaemia, which can impair cognitive abilities, decrease immunity, and negatively impact performance,” said Wiener.
“Meat and seafood are excellent sources of dietary iron. If you are vegetarian, then nuts, beans, lentils, spinach are also packed full of iron.”
Meanwhile, ginseng may also have some therapeutic effects and help to prevent tiredness.
Generally, it’s used to improve the immune system, boost endurance, and also provide relief from fatigue.
Medical website Holland and Barrett said: “The herb is popular for its ability to increase the body’s resistance in coping with both physical and emotional stress, reducing fatigue.”
Other than a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, your tiredness could be caused by stress or anxiety, said the NHS.
Anaemia, an underactive thyroid and sleep apnoea could also lead to feeling tired all of the time.
If you’ve been feeling tired for more than four weeks, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor, said the NHS.
Making sure you get enough sleep could help to prevent you from feeling sleepy the next day. Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep every night to perform at their best the next day.