More Caffeine Please? By Gale Ferreras

Before you make your usual stop to your favorite local coffee shop for the routine energy-boost in the morning, do you ever wonder if your zombie-like state pre-caffeine is not normal?

If you tend to feel lethargic and lackluster until you get your caffeine fix, you are not alone.  According to the CDC, 1 out of 3 Americans do not get enough sleep.  Sleep deprivation can be attributed to an array of reasons such as work, stress, guilty pleasures, and responsibilities. Do any of these reasons sound familiar to you?  The typical reasons for feeling lackluster in the morning are as follows: babies, sick kids, needy spouses, needy partners, college papers (I remember these! So fun!), work deadlines, stress and anxiety, a late night out (cheers! drinks up!), social media, and my favorite – Netflix.

If the aforementioned does not quite explain the lack of pep in your step in the morning, then you may want to consider seeking medical advice from a professional.  Not to sound too alarming, but a possible diagnosis could potentially need to be treated, or may need immediate medical attention. A simple initial visit such as a physical assessment and routine lab work can help to accurately provide a diagnosis.

As researched by Medical News Today, here is a list of what may be some of the causes for concern for a population of tired and sleepy day walkers:

  1. Lack of sleep
  2. Poor diet
  3. Sedentary lifestyle
  4. Excessive stress
  5. Medical conditions

Fatigue and lack of sleep are causes for concern for the general population. For example, a statistic provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states,

“Around 15.3 percent of women and 10.1 percent of men regularly feel very tired or exhausted in the United States,” and “1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep at the wheel each month,” which accounts to “72,000 crashes and 44,000 injuries, with 6,000 of those reporting as fatal crashes as a result of drowsy driving.”

Although it may seem routine to wake up every morning feeling depleted from the stress and chaos of everyday life, it’s important to note that constant sleep-deprivation is unhealthy and negatively impacts your health. The quest for a healthy, balanced, and satisfactory life is common for everybody. Drinking coffee for energy is a crutch, not a solution.  Have no shame in the expertise of your coffee game, but get more sleep.  A trip to the doctor may be necessary to help you achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

References

Nichols, H. (2018, February) Why you feel tired all the time. Medical News Today.

Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320800.php

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.

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