01/08/2026 04:34 - Salud
Waking up feeling exhausted is more common than you think, but the good news is that small changes can make a big difference.
Fatigue doesn't always come from poor sleep habits. According to specialists who spoke to Infobae, persistent tiredness can have physical and psychological origins. Dr. Estefanía Belén Mondin, a psychiatrist at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, explained that stress, anxiety, and emotional concerns can drain your energy.
Dr. Jemma King warned in The Guardian that carbon dioxide levels can exceed 1,000 ppm, reducing deep sleep. Opening the window just 2 cm helps significantly.
Dr. Brendan Gabriel (University of Aberdeen) notes that daylight helps distinguish day from night, improving blood sugar control.
Dr. Stella Maris Valiensi (Hospital Italiano) indicates that as we age, we experience more nighttime awakenings and have more trouble falling back asleep.
Proteins take 4 to 6 hours to digest, raising body temperature and hindering the cooling needed for sleep.
Just like presbyopia, the biological clock shifts forward with age, reducing sleep quality.
Sitting for long hours signals the brain to conserve energy. Getting up every 30 minutes for just 2 minutes changes everything.
Dust mite droppings cause congestion and micro-awakenings. Washing bedding weekly and airing the mattress is key.
Dr. Emily Leeming (King's College) recommends at least 30 g daily for stable blood sugar release and lasting energy.
Studies from 2022 and 2024 show that anxious thoughts worsen at night, a phenomenon known as 'mind after midnight'.
Repeatedly focusing on worries drains mental resources. Mindfulness and therapy are excellent allies.
According to a report based on research by Dr. Mark Hyman and published by El Imparcial, the tiredness that hits between 2 and 4 PM is often due to blood sugar instability, disrupted circadian rhythms, and sustained stress. Avoiding coffee on an empty stomach and eating protein and fiber at breakfast can make a huge difference.
A 2008 study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, detailed by Tua Saúde, showed that 20 minutes of gentle exercise three times a week for six weeks reduced fatigue by 65% and increased energy by 20%. You don't need exhausting routines to feel better!
Experts from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the NHS recommend adopting a 'soft life' approach based on sustainable practices:
When to see a doctor: If fatigue persists for more than 4 weeks despite improving your habits, it's advisable to get blood tests for complete blood count, ferritin, thyroid function, and vitamin B12. Sleep apnea and depression are also common and treatable causes. Taking care of your health is always a good idea!
Alfredo S. Quiroga