One of the crucial steps in dealing with the problem of fatigue amongst anyone, not just those involved in road freight and long distance driving, after identifying fatigue as an issue is pinpointing the source. For different people the problem could originate from different sources, depending on lifestyle choices, professions etc.
Here are some of the steps to follow in pinpointing and dealing with the problem of fatigue:
- Look into the quality of your sleep hygiene.
Although you may be getting the adequate number of hours of sleep, you may be missing out on refreshing, high quality sleep.
The key to getting up feeling refreshed is getting the adequate number of hours of deep, restorative sleep and minimising the amount of time spent in fragmented sleep.
For example having a night cap before bed may seem like a good sleep aid, but waking up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet will disrupt your sleep and cause you to wake up in the morning feeling more fatigued.
Also if your bed partner is a snorer, you will probably have a more fragmented sleep because of the loud sound constantly waking you from deep sleep.
Bright lights such as a television on in the room could cause you to toss and turn at night and wake up feeling tired.
- Can’t figure out the source, consult your doctor or sleep therapist
If you’ve made the necessary lifestyle changes and you still wake up feeling fatigued, then perhaps your problem is something that needs to be diagnosed by a professional.
Doctors advise that often fatigue may not be a condition in itself but rather an indication or symptom of more pressing health issue.
Usually seeing a sleep therapist first is a good idea because if they can’t help you, you can always speak to your doctor and determine if an underlying health problem is the real cause of the problem.
Certain conditions like depression, diabetes, hypothyroidism may all contribute to fatigue.
- Review your current medication
When you visit your doctor or sleep therapist, take a list of your medication so that this can be reviewed. It could by your medication causing fatigue or a combination of the medications that you’re taking.
Experts say that many common prescription medications can actually make you drowsy during the day and leave you feeling fatigued on a regular basis.
Even if you can’t go off the medication, the doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative that may be less tiring.
- Get more exercise and review your eating habits
It may sound strange that working out more can make you more energised but it is true. Exercise creates energy and reduces fatigue by reducing stress and also helps you get more restorative sleep. It also increases your blood circulation and allows oxygen and nutrients to reach your body.
Eating regularly, something small at least every 2 hours has proven to help keep people energised and ward off fatigue as long as you’re eating low fat, healthy snacks and fibre and protein rich foods.
Also remember the heavier the meal you eat, the more sluggish you feel afterwards.
