I’m a good sleeper. I say that because I can literally sleep anywhere you put me, regardless of the noise, the light, the location, whatever. And trust me: I’ve tested out this theory! Obviously, I spend lots of time sleeping in a tent (which I still claim to be the best place to catch your Zzzzz’s!) but I’ve also crashed in airports, park benches, beaches, and airplanes. On the bike trip we slept in town parks, behind grocery stores, and in strangers’ backyards. Angela and I even broke into a hotel’s beachfront property to crash on the lawn chairs while living in Spain (story for a later date, but I promise that my brush with the Spanish legal system was necessary!) In short, this girl can sleep!
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| So can this girl. At least one of us is well-rested! |
So why in the world am I so flipping tired lately? This morning I texted Will and asked him if lifelong mono was a possibility because if it is, I swear that I have it. I had mono once in 2007, but I swear I am more exhausted now than I was back then. Need an example? I woke up this morning around 7am, which is a feat in itself because I can never sleep in past 6:30. After walking Tals and grabbing some breakfast, I loaded my gear into the car and headed to Crossfit for the 9am session….only I didn’t make it.
I got about a block away from the gym before realizing that I could barely keep my eyes open! I promptly turned my car around and drove back home. Who does that?!
After taking care of some necessary errands (like buying food because both Tals and I were verging on starvation), I headed back to bed and crashed for two more hours. In the middle of the day. After only being awake for six hours. Yeah, seriously.
I’m not gonna whine and claim that my exhaustion MUST be in relation to my crazy and stressful life. Our last day of work for the season was last week, so as of Monday, I am officially on my three-month hiatus from the working class. I usually experience a comedown when we close for the season as my body adjusts to the lack of employee-related stresses and HR dramas, and frequently I’ll get sick for a few days. However, this time is different. I’m one step up from being entire worthless!
19 Comments
Try testing for an iron deficiency.. That was my problem! Those lil iron pills make a huge difference!
Ah, mono. Had it in 1998. So longer ago…but I remember it! I’m guessing with all the shiz that’s going on there’s a good chance your body needs rest. But I agree with the other commenter, if it continues check out your bloodwork. Could be iron, b12, or some other deficiency. Never know! Rest up!
I just had blood work done not too long ago and everything is A-ok. In fact, I always have slightly higher than average iron levels (which is ironic because I rarely eat red meat!)
This happens to me every winter! During winter months I find myself going to sleep as early as 8 pm! Maybe some more Vitamin D would help (whether it be sunlight or a supplement).
I agree fully, I am rocking my supplements right now too and noticed a positive change after a week..I heard it is something that needs to build up in your system…
Ah I was just thinking about this this morning! I get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep a night and still wake up exhausted. I swear, I’m less tired when I get 5 hours of sleep than when I get 8. WTF? If you find a cure, let me know and I will be eternally grateful.
If I had to put some movey on it I would bet you are having some issues adjusting to the season change. I know I am. Do you take supplements? I know melatonin (usually it is a sleep aid but it can also help keep u away during normal hours if you take it regularly) can help in this situation and maybe even vitamin D. I had to learn about all this quick in Alaska because the extreme darkness and extreme day light would mess with me.
The ironic thing is that I just did a comprehensive wellness exam not too long ago, including blood work, through a company called Wellness FX. They test EVERTHING in your body and they actually said mine was as good as they’ve ever seen. They even said my Vitamin D levels are perfect which rarely happens. So nope, not a big supplement taker. I prefer to get stuff from real foods, although I do take a multivitamin and a Omega-3 vitamin bc of the possibility it can help my asthma 🙂
I almost ALWAYS feel like this….but then again, I think one entire side of my family verges on epilepsy or some sort of hypersomnia. Two days ago, I got off work at 7am, slept for about 6 hours, got up to hang with Pat for the evening, went back to sleep before him at 10pm, slept until 10:30am and still fought myself from taking a nap that afternoon!!
I’ve totally done that “get to the gym parking lot, go back home without walking into the gym because I decided I was too tired” thing!!!
Maybe all your extra hard core working out has your body in major recovery mode.
The good news is sleeping keeps us looking young!!
No clue what it could be, but hopefully it’s just a seasonal thing and temporary.
I’ve only had one time in my life where I’ve felt sleepy like you’ve described and it was when I was (am!) pregnant. I was literally falling asleep all over the place. I could NOT stay awake. It’s ridiculous. Luckily it went away after the first few months. I thought I was going to get fired for being so tired at work!
Well, I definitely know that I am NOT pregnant! 🙂
I noticed a lot of people mentioned Vitamin D, but if you spend as much time outside as it seems like you do (even just walking the dog!), you’re probably getting enough vitamin D (plus, D deficiency would show up on a blood test – mine did). If you don’t eat a lot of animal products, you may need a B-complex or B12 supplement, but this usually happens with vegans.
Do you practice “sleep hygiene”? Try, for example, not using a computer, smartphone, TV, etc. 2 hours before going to bed. You can also take a warm bath, which will lower your core temp and help you fall asleep faster. Also, make sure it’s cold enough in your room. I’ve read that 64 degrees F is the best, but that is too cold for me!
Good luck, I hope your sleep gets back on schedule soon!
I think you may be onto something, or at least in the right well. Physically, I am pretty healthy as per my blood work. I wonder if I should get new sheets or something. I read on a kindle every night but now i wonder if the lit screen gets my brain going?
Season change I’m sure. Hope you get some good rest/sleep soon! 🙂
protein? also – you did just workout like a crazy woman at your crossfit competition – that could be why!
I definitely experience this. I get plenty of sleep, but I go through periods where I’m tired all of the time. In fact, last night I crashed early and woke up a little when my husband turned off the TV. I remembered whining “I’m so sleepy!”. I almost physically hurt because I was so tired. It’s definitely weird! If you find anything that works, let me know!
I had mono when I was a sophomore in high school. I don’t really remember it and my mom says it was because I was asleep the whole time! I say try some iron pills. I’ve been taking them lately and it seems to help. It’s annoying when you feel like you are sleeping enough but your body is rebelling!
Hi there!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but haven’t commented before…so haaeeey!
Just wanted to put my 2c in about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I got it after having mono and it can last a long time. Constant exhaustion!
I know you said you’ve had a bunch of tests so hopefully it’s just a bit of seasonal affective disorder SAD 🙁
Love your blog by the way!