Energy boost

Causes of fatigue

Insufficient sleep

Sleep is an essential function of life. We need this period of physical rest and rehabilitation of the nervous system. Poorly rested brains are constantly charged and after a while work less efficiently. We work slower and end the day with a to-do list. We are too tired to sleep and end up in a vicious circle. Try to work on your sleep hygiene to break this circle.

Stress

Work pressure and the associated stress have become a daily element. This stress is the result of several cumulative causes:

• bad atmosphere at the workplace
• intimidation by superiors
• results-oriented work and staff reduction
• cancelled lunch
• noise pollution
• long commute and late arrival home
• household obligations

This constant pressure that gives the impression that you never finish anything, that your time is being stolen, gives you stress. This stress puts continuous pressure on  the nervous system, ultimately resulting in fatigue.

Overloaded muscles

In strength athletes, but also athletes in general and manual workers, the muscles are often overloaded for a long time. The accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle can acidify the entire body. This manifests itself in fatigue.

Sugar problem

When we eat food with fast sugars, the glucose level in the blood will rise very quickly. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and lowers the blood sugar level by storing glycogen in the liver. When this storage is full, glucose will be converted into fats. This spike in blood sugar - and the subsequent glucose crash - makes you feel exhausted. Craving quick energy, you instinctively reach for another portion of refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a vicious circle. Choose carbohydrates with slow sugars as an energy source.

Dehydration

Drinking enough is important. Fluid is an important co-factor in the transport of our nutrients. Every day we lose fluid through urine, breathing and sweating. Even mild dehydration can reduce energy levels and alertness. Make sure you drink enough to replace fluids lost during the day.