Dear Mum, Are You Tired All the Time? Check Why!
14 November 2023
One of the most overwhelming and debilitating parts of being a new mum is the tiredness that comes with it.
It’s important to remember that tiredness is not just a part of life; it could be a signal from your body that something isn’t quite right.
So, let’s explore five common reasons why women, especially mums, can feel tired all the time. The answer may lie in one small part of your body that governs the most significant processes and metabolism:
1 Sleep Deprivation
Being a mum often means irregular sleep patterns and frequent awakenings during the night, especially when the baby is young. The cumulative effect of sleep deprivation can lead to constant tiredness, low energy, and the infamous ‘mum brain’.
2 Nutrient Deficiencies
Eating on the go, skipping meals and reaching for snacks and sweets – these are all common amongst mums, especially when sleep deprived! We also know that nutrient deficiencies, such as low iron, vitamin D, or B vitamins, can sap energy levels. These deficiencies can also be a result of the increased body demands due to pregnancy, recovery from birth, and possibly breastfeeding.
3 Chronic Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
The juggling act of motherhood, work, and personal life, as well as lack of sleep, can put tremendous stress on your body. Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, a condition where your adrenal glands can’t keep up with the demands for stress hormones. This can result in fatigue, sleepiness, and even energy crashes after meals.
4 Food Sensitivities
Often overlooked, food sensitivities can lead to post-meal sleepiness. When your body reacts to specific foods, it diverts energy towards managing the immune response, leaving you feeling tired. Gluten, dairy, and other common triggers can be the cause.
5 Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, are more prevalent in women than men. An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight gain, and sleepiness, often exacerbated after meals due to a sluggish metabolism.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various functions in your body, including metabolism, energy production, and the balance of many hormones.
An underactive thyroid, a condition known as hypothyroidism, can significantly affect tiredness and energy levels.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs.
Here’s how an underactive thyroid can impact tiredness:
Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness and a persistent lack of energy are indications of hypothyroidism. Many women find themselves feeling exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep.
Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain, even when dietary and exercise habits haven’t changed, can be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism can slow down the body’s metabolism, leading to weight gain.
Cold Sensitivity: Women with hypothyroidism often feel excessively cold, even in warm environments. They may have cold hands and feet and may find it challenging to stay warm.
Hair and Skin Changes: Thinning hair, dry and brittle hair, as well as dry, flaky skin are common symptoms. Hair loss, especially at the outer edges of the eyebrows, can also occur.
Mood Changes: Hypothyroidism can affect mood and mental well-being. Women with this condition may experience depression, anxiety, or mood swings. It’s not uncommon for cognitive functions to slow down, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
As a holistic nutritional therapist, I understand the importance of addressing the underlying issues, like an underactive thyroid, to help mums regain their vitality. Remember, your body is your friend, and the signals it sends should not be ignored. Identifying and addressing the root causes of tiredness can help mums feel great, have more energy, and do more of the things they love.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tiredness, I’m here to support you in your journey towards better health. I have a dedicated 1:1 Reclaim Your Energy Nutrition & Lifestyle Programme that helps busy people reclaim their vitality by overcoming energy dips, cravings, and burnout, restoring the harmony between sleep and nutrition, and balancing blood sugar levels.
