WHY AM I TIRED ALL OF THE TIME?

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE CONSTANTLY trying to catch up on sleep or can’t seem to find energy to do much of anything, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. A number of diseases and conditions can cause extreme fatigue, including lupus, fibromyalgia, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and a vast array of other disorders, many of which have overlapping, confusing, or delayed diagnoses. You’re not alone: 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from some sort of autoimmune disorder, according to the NIH, while another 8 million have an antibody profile that gives them a higher chance of developing one.

Many of these conditions follow a similar path. An overly active immune system trying to ward off what it perceives as an attacker can trigger inflammation, which sets off the unpleasant symptoms you experience, including unexplained exhaustion. Treating any of these autoimmune disorders is a serious business and often requires prescription medication, so you should always see a doctor as an important first step. But it is often within your control to help reduce inflammation and the severity of your condition or symptoms, through lifestyle and diet changes.

Your likelihood of contracting some kind of autoimmune disorder depends on many factors, including your family history and genetics, environmental factors, and personal characteristics like your gender, race, and ethnicity. Disorders like these can be difficult for doctors to pinpoint, because many of the symptoms also correlate with similar diseases and conditions. Patients suffering from autoimmune disorders can be misdiagnosed for years without receiving effective treatment or care.

Even if you aren’t diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, taking steps to reduce inflammation in your body can improve your health, and the steps don’t have to be drastic. Regular exercise (as simple as a daily walk, yoga, or light weight training) is a highly recommended practice – just check with your doctor first. And incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your meal plans and finding ways to lower stress are often game-changers.