We have all been there, that moment where we consider snoozing our alarm clocks for the third time in one morning, and the last thing we want to do is get out of bed, but have you ever considered why we experience more fatigue than normal at times? There are a number of different factors that can be contributing to higher levels of fatigue in the morning, but luckily there are also ways to improve this complication. Today, we are going to break down the possible reasons that someone is experiencing excess fatigue in the morning and how best to combat it.
Possible Reasons For Excess Fatigue In The Mornings
While it is not out of the ordinary to experience small amounts of fatigue first thing in the morning, if your fatigue continues far beyond your initial waking period, it could be a cause of concern.
Sleep inertia, which is the state that our brains and bodies are in right after waking up, can be the potential cause for your lingering fatigue. Depending on your own personal body, the time in which it takes for sleep inertia to wear off can vary. The level of tired you are when you first wake up also depends on what part of your sleep cycle you wake up in. The deep sleep stage of your sleep cycle is the hardest to wake up from. A great way to better understand your sleep cycle is by keeping a sleeping long where you track a consistent sleeping schedule and its effects on you.
The amount of blue light exposure you get throughout your day could also be impacting your sleep quality. Blue light exposure minimizes the amount of melatonin that your body produces, which impacts the quality of your sleep, and thus can leave you feeling extra tired in the morning. Try to limit your exposure to blue light that comes from many electronics, especially right before bed. Instead, try to read a book or listen to a podcast as a bedtime activity.
Your caffeine intake could also be impacting your energy levels in the morning. If you are relying on caffeine to keep you up and running throughout your day, this will eventually catch up to you, leaving you with a lack of energy.
How To Improve Excess Fatigue In The Morning
We have compiled a list of ways that you can improve your energy levels when you wake up in the morning to combat the unpleasant effects.
Choose Your Morning Beverages Wisely
Your morning fatigue could potentially be worse due to levels of dehydration. Since it is impossible for us to drink water throughout the night, we go all those hours without any added hydration. This is why, first thing in the morning you should try to drink at least a glass of water to give your body that added boost of support. Try to stay away from caffeine for at least an hour after waking up, as drinking caffeine any closer to waking up can have adverse effects.
Move Your Body By Stretching
When we are sleeping, all the different parts of our bodies get put into a deep slumber and during our REM cycles our muscles experience extreme stillness. We must get our bodies moving in order to stimulate energy back into our bodies after such a restful experience. In order to do this, we recommend stretching your body either through yoga or another form of exercise. Exercise also boosts your endorphin levels which can help you feel more energized and ready to take on the day.
Plan Something To Look Forward To
Sometimes it can be easier to get out of bed and feel more energized when you know there is something to look forward to. If you are waking up feeling fatigued more and more, try planning activities to do in the morning that will leave you feeling excited in the mornings. Some idea of activities you can plan include:
- A morning yoga class with a friend
- Make yourself your favorite breakfast to look forward to
- Go on a hike close to your neighborhood
- Journal outside and watch the sun rise
If you start to plan exciting activities, you might find yourself getting excited for the mornings rather than dreading getting out of bed.
Limit Your Sugar Intake In The Mornings
While many breakfast meals contain high levels of sugar, it is smart to stay away from sugary items such as breakfast cereals and pastries that can contribute to a blood sugar spike. This spike might leave you feeling energized and happy in the moment, but as soon as your blood sugar levels start to drop dramatically, it can leave you feeling drained instead.
How Digestion Can Be The Cause of Your Fatigue
The last potential reason for your fatigue that we want to touch on is high levels of unhealthy gut bacteria. When your body is in a state of having to fight off the excess bad bacteria that is invading your gut, it leads to a state of exhaustion. It is important to take extra good care of your gut health in order to avoid these adverse effects. Not only does an unhealthy gut cause fatigue, but it can also impact your mental health, cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, and inflammation.
One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy gut is by having a consistent amount of probiotics in your diet. You can increase your intake of probiotics through the foods you consume and by taking supplements that help with bloating. Yogurt, tempeh, cranberries, and fermented foods such as kimchi are all great foods to consume to increase your probiotic levels.
Our supplement for bloating and gut health named Probiotic Renu is a great option for keeping your gut healthy and happy. It contains both bifido and lacto probiotic cultures that work to keep the bad bacteria at bay. Keep this vitamin that helps with bloating in mind when considering upping your probiotic intake, and when you are trying to combat fatigue once and for all.