If You’re Feeling Exhausted (Even After Sleeping A Full Night)—Here’s Why

You know it’s going to be a good day when you wake up feeling refreshed after a sound night’s sleep. After all, there’s no greater feeling than finally dozing off after a long day or week. So, why is it that despite getting 7+ hours of solid shut eye, the afternoon hours still hit you like a ton of bricks?

The simple answer is—it’s complicated. That’s because everything from your pre-sleep routine and undiagnosed sleep disorders to the way you wake-up and your daily habits, all impact your energy levels (or lack thereof).

So, assuming you already know that looking at your phone right before bed is a no-no, let’s focus on some of the other common culprits causing your on-going energy struggles:

   1. You’re not actually sleeping soundly. Now you think you’d know it if you had a sleep disorder—right? Well, turns out that 95% of the 70 million Americans with a sleep disorder are undiagnosed. And that’s because many sleep disorders have subtle symptoms and it’s hard to notice them while you’re asleep.

And it may not be a disorder that’s to blame for your interrupted sleep. If you share the bed with another person (or pet) anytime they move, it’ll likely disrupt your snoozing. 

   2. You’re not waking up the right way. While sleeping, your brain goes through several different stages: non-rapid eye movement, slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement (aka: the deep, dream-filled stage of sleep). And if you wake-up mid cycle, this could leave you feeling moody, stressed and drained; otherwise known as sleep inertia.

   3.  You don’t drink enough water. Dehydration can leave even the most well-rested person feeling fatigued. That’s because a lack of fluids leads to lower blood pressure, which slows the all-important process of getting oxygen to the brain. If you’re not drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water (or water-based drinks), expect to be yawning.

   4. You have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Your body relies on vitamins and minerals to do pretty much everything. Whether it’s healing a wound or supplying energy, vitamins and minerals are essential. So, if your body struggles to get one or more of these key nutrients, you’ll more than likely experience fatigue:

·         Iron

·         Magnesium

·         Potassium

·         Vitamin B12

·         Folic acid

      5. You’re not getting enough activity. Workdays are actually the perfect recipe for tiredness. If you take sitting for hours on end and you add eye strain from staring at a computer screen and mental fatigue from going nonstop, it’s no wonder you feel completely drained at the end of the day.

   6. You have CFS. Also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, this condition is characterized by profound tiredness, which can come on suddenly and last for years. Unfortunately, women are nearly 4 times as likely to suffer from CFS and experts are still unsure of what causes this condition.

Put your energy issues to rest. It’s finally time to answer the question you’ve all been wondering—what’s the secret to feeling well rested? Considering that everything from thyroid issues and diabetes to diet and medications can play a role, it’s hard to say.

Overall, it comes down to better understanding your unique health needs. That’s why Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care offers an extensive array of services tailored to suit your personal health needs.

7 Surprising Things That Make Your Hands & Feet Fall Asleep

There’s nothing more annoying than when your hand, foot or (insert other appendage) starts tingling and eventually goes numb—you know the feeling. And what’s even worse—the pins and needles you feel as you try desperately to revive circulation and blood flow.

This familiar feeling, often referred to as a body part falling asleep, is actually just a result of pressure or compression. In medical terms, you’re experiencing paresthesia. Thankfully, though, this condition usually only lasts for a matter of seconds or minutes.

But what happens when no amount of shaking or wiggling can get the pins and needles to stop? Tingling sensations in the hands and feet for extended periods of time may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Here are some of the most common culprits:

You have a pinched nerve in your neck or back. Often times, a painful, tingling sensation that extends from your neck or back into your feet may be a sign of a pinched nerve. While this is typically the result of an injury or poor posture, further testing may be required to determine if you have an underlying condition such as arthritis.  

You have a vitamin deficiency. Tingling in the hands and feet may be the result of a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is typically only the case if the sensation occurs in both hands or both feet simultaneously. People with B12 deficiencies also often experience exhaustion, lethargy, and potentially, anemia.  

You have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common injury that can cause pain and tingling in the hands and wrists. Repetitive motion and vibration can cause nerve damage which leads to the sensation. While less common, tarsal tunnel syndrome is a similar ailment affecting the feet.  

You have spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is characterized as the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck or back. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves which can cause a shooting tingling sensation. If untreated, the condition can worsen, potentially causing permanent nerve damage. 

You have diabetes. High blood sugar acts as a toxin to nerves and can cause tingling in the hands and feet, otherwise known as peripheral neuropathy. If you are experiencing excessive thirst or hunger and frequent urination in addition to the tingling, ask your doctor about getting tested.

You have hypothyroidism.An underactive thyroid can cause a plethora of side effects, one of which includes tingling in the hands and feet. Other symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms you may need to speak to a doctorabout taking a synthetic thyroid hormone to help balance things back out.

You have multiple sclerosis. Tingling sensations, in addition to numbness and weakness, extending through the limbs can be a sign that you may have multiple sclerosis. If you are experiencing other symptoms including double vision, clumsiness and trouble controlling bathroom breaks, an MRI may be necessary to determine if you have the condition.

When you’re on pins and needles

While it’s nearly impossible to prevent paresthesia, or the feeling of a body part falling asleep, all together, you can minimize it. Make sure that you’re supporting healthy circulation by regularly getting up and walking around. If you just can’t seem to shake it off, your primary care provider can help.

The experts of GMG Primary Care will ensure you receive the customized care you deserve, from diagnosis to treatment. With a wide array of services, knowledgeable providers and an extensive range of resources through GMC, you can count on GMG Primary Care for all of your health needs from head to toe.