Sometimes, it can feel like it’s simply part of being an adult that you feel tired all of the time. If you ever share that feeling with others, you’re likely to get a simple “me too,” which isn’t very helpful. Nor is it normal. If you’re feeling tired all the time, there’s likely to be a logical explanation, as well as a solution.

You’re not taking care of your body

One of the most common explanations, as loathe as we may be to hear it, is that we’re simply not doing enough to take care of ourselves. If you don’t get the energy you need from healthy sources of food, you’re going to end up feeling lethargic. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining energy levels, as is getting a little more physical activity each and every day. You don’t have to gym it five days a week, but you should make sure you don’t spend a single day sedentary if you can help it.

Try to improve your sleeping situation

Naturally, if you’re not getting between seven to nine hours of sleep, then you’re likely to start feeling more tired. Try to establish a real bedtime routine, turn off your monitors and screens at night, and avoid naps during the day that can interrupt your standard sleeping habits. You can use sleeping tracking tools to help you set alarms that better fit your sleeping cycles, too, so you wake up feeling more rested.

The mental side of the equation

We can very easily feel physically tired because of changes in our mental health. Stress can impact our sleep and cause us to carry tension with us throughout the day, which can exhaust us to some degree. Depression can also be a major cause of feeling sleepy and having low energy all day. Take a look at some of the steps you can take to address and improve your mental health.

Iron deficiencies

A very common health problem and one of the most common causes of feeling tired is anemia. Anemia, or iron deficiency, is especially common in women, primarily those who experience heavy menstruation or are pregnant, or those who use painkillers like NSAIDs. It’s not difficult to treat, as iron deficiency supplements can help to clear it out. It’s a good idea to get your blood tested by your doctor for confirmation, though.

Talk to the doctor about it

If none of the points above sound like they’re affecting you, then that doesn’t mean you should stop looking for the answer. There are all kinds of issues that cause chronic fatigue, including sleep apnea, diabetes, restless leg syndrome, and more. You should talk to the doctor if you’re not able to find the answers on your own.

If you’ve been feeling tired, rarely feeling rested after sleeping, and it’s starting to affect you, then it is time to look at what you can do about it, whether that’s improving your sleeping patterns or looking for a medical explanation. Don’t just accept it.