Why Am I Always So Tired?

Why Am I Always Tired? FAQ with Dr. Steven Simper
By: Dr. Steven C. Simper, MD, FACS

 

 

Question: Why am I always tired?
Dr. Simper’s Answer: Tiredness is the most common complaint that doctors get, period, whether you have had bariatric surgery or not. That is why everyone drinks energy drinks, making them the most rapidly growing products in the grocery store. They are not good for us, and we strongly recommend our patients not to use them.

The truth is tiredness can be multifactorial. If you are not sleeping well, or just not getting adequate sleep, you will be tired. Many people stay up late or sleep odd hours which make it hard to get a good night’s rest. Most people need at least six hours of sleep, but preferably eight, a night. Anything less will eventually catch up to you and you will always be tired.

Hydration is also critical. We are a dehydrated society and rarely drink enough water. There was a study a number of years ago where they took patients with “chronic fatigue syndrome” who had failed other treatment and did one thing and one thing only, and that was to make sure they drank plenty of water. 80% plus of their patients were either cured or had remarkably improved. When I am dragging at the end of the day, I start pushing fluids because I know I am behind. DRINK MORE WATER!!

Depression is also common, and frequently the only symptom is lack of energy. Exercise is the most effective treatment for depression. Exercise is a lot more effective than antidepressant medication. The problem is that when you are depressed, you don’t want to exercise. Get out and get moving.

If you cover all of these bases, you will feel a whole lot better. Tiredness is almost never nutritional, unless you are severely malnourished, which is very rare in our patients. It is almost always one or a combination of the above three problems.

About the Author:
Dr. Steven Simper, MD, FACS, performed his first bariatric procedure in 1984 at Wilford Hall Medical Center in Texas. Currently, he performs laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and revisional surgery. In addition to general surgery procedures.

 Links to related articles:
How Much Should I Be Eating?
Hydration and Getting Enough Water
Eating Tips for Right after Weight Loss Surgery

 

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Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124