Why am I so tired and sleeping more?

[Anonymous]

Past 2 weeks I been in engineering school working on getting my bachelor degree. I'm also working 34+ hours as a pharmacy technician. I work and go to school 4 days out the week. If I'm not in school I'm at work and vice versa. I recently started taking naps something I haven't did in forever. My question is why am I so tired I'm not doing anything physically but yet I'm wore out. Why?

[BrittBratt2416]

You just basically answered your own question. lol your in college and working 34 plus hours. Juggling school, home work, and a job can be a lot at times. You either need to cut some hours at work or drop a class or two (which you probably can't I'm guessing ) in order to get some good quality sleep. Cause the more sleep deprived you are the more its going to take a toll on your body, which will take a toll on your grades and performance at work. So you gotta balance that out some kinda way.. also it could be your diet. College kids have a crappy diet cause their always on the go most of the time.

[Asker]

My diet sucks but I wake up energetic but by time I go to work half way I'm like really c'mon dude you're arguing with me over a 50 cent difference in the cost of you meds. I sleep more I get about 8 hours of sleep sometime 7 and I nap for 30 mins to an hour. Example my Monday and Wednesday are class 11-12:25 it take me about 30 mins to an hour (depending on traffic) to get to work. I work 1:30-8. Tuesday I work 8-4 then I have a class from 5:30-8:30. Where I live traffic is backed up at 4pm. Thursday and Friday I work no later 7:30. Saturday I have a 9am-12pm class and Sunday I work 10-6 and repeat. I study on my down time which is Thursday Friday morning or evening. Saturday and Sunday evening.

[ettamae]

Get a blood test to check your calcium levels. There's a gland called the parathyroid which secretest hormones to control calcium. Too much calcium can cause ridiculous fatigue. I know because the same happened to me, I had to have surgery to correct. Ask to get your PH levels checked.

[Asker]

Crazy you said that when I was 15 I had to take calcium supplements and vitamin D. But I go to the Dr every 4 or 5 months last time I went I had blood work done at my yearly exam everything came back normal except I'm a little over wait.

[EmpatheticLady]

It sounds like you're running yourself thin with all the work that you're doing. It doesn't necessarily have to be physically enduring to be exhausting either. Naps are good for you to recharge, but 15-20 minute power naps are what are recommended.

[Asker]

My naps are more like an 30 mins to an hour. It's like my body can sense when I'm home cause the closer I get to my bed the more my body begin to shut down. When I'm at work or school I'm OK until about half way through my work schedule and I always get that 1 difficult customer that try to make everyone life hell because they're not using common sense. Smh lol At this point I'm like fml. Most customers love me cause they say I have a lot of patience but I think it's starting to take a toll on me now.

[EmpatheticLady]

How long do you typically sleep at night?

[Asker]

Last night last time I remember looking at clock on my phone it was about 10:40ish. I woke up it was exactly 7 am today.

[EmpatheticLady]

Hmmm, I wonder if you should try getting to bed a bit sooner. I mean, I know you have a lot of things to do and that can keep you up at night or cause you to get up early (for work or classes or just because of your internal clock). However, if you can try to sleep longer and more soundly through the night, that could help, too.

[Asker]

I went to bed the day before yesterday at 8 and woke up at 6am. That's when I became concerned. I also was taking a nap everyday almost

[Levin]

How many hours does that add up in total?

Anyway, the answer is obvious. Total nervous system bombardment, your body is starting to rebel. Contrary to the madness of society, you're an organic living human, with certain basic requirements, such as rest, 'you time', sleep, good nutrition, relaxation, etc. What's not essential, needs to go. Half your working hours, if you can... Just think how the human being has evolved. Really only in the last 50 or so years, is the human expected to sit still all day, and do very head based tasks for pretty much, all of the day.

[Asker]

Depends if you count in nap I now take like I'm in kindergarten. Lol about 8 to 8 and a half hours of sleep I wake up refreshed. When I do eat like I supposed to. I feel great for about 2 hours then I start to get sleepy. I don't know why

[yucel_eden]

I just finished my bachelors in enginedring.

Ben there, done that.

You're physically in bad shape. So what the normal guy would need to do to get tired, you need to do less effort.

Go go the gym and do cardio. Even if it's once a week.

[Asker]

I go 3 times a week an hour a session to work on that my cardio. I'm not the same guy I was in high school playing football (DE, LB) and in Army J. R. O. T. C. running miles at school then walking home with friends which was (3 miles from the school) you know I tried doing what I did in high school and ended up with shin splint and an injured big toe. SMH my Dr told me to take it slow and rest my big toe for 6 to 8 weeks. This was back in June. I bike 2.5miles and power walk on treadmill 1.5 miles twice a week. I been doing this for about 3 weeks now. I try not to over do it. That's how I use to get injured my male ego try to push myself like I was in high school but that's not happening right now. It can happen again but not right now. I'm coming along slowly but surely and I also work on strength training.

[yucel_eden]

Then it's the combination of work and doing engineering.

Engineering is hard enough as it is.

[Asker]

Yes it is hard but I love it. Trying to get in better shape, work, school, and balancing my social life is hard work though. I try to look at it like others before me done it so I know I can.

[Asker]

You wasn't lying. I cut my hours down to under 25 and I exercise cardio 3 times a week and strength training twice a week. I'm not having this problem anymore although I can still take a nap in middle of the day. But I don't have to I just want to sometimes. Lol

[yucel_eden]

Yeah haha.

[yucel_eden]

Thanks for mho

[Asker]

No problem

[JuantasticSSJ4]

Usually when I feel like that it's lack of nutrition. Your brain and muscles are constantly braking down protein and your body does not create protein so you need it through diet. I would buy a protein powder to drink really quickly and save some time. Your body also needs healthy fats for proper hormonal production, to lubricate the joints, and to burn fat (yes fat helps you burn fat as long as it the poly or mono unsaturated kind). Finally, stay away from sugar it's gonna spike your insulin, lead to fat storage, mess with your mood. Stick with long lasting complex carbohydrates which convert to glucose at a much lower rate than sugar which leads to a more long lasting and stable form of energy. Your brain also needs glucose for proper function. Trust me, get you macronutrients that you need every day and you'll be fine. I know how you feel.

[Asker]

I'm in the gym an hour a day 3 times a day. I was just talking about for breakfast making a smoothie with everything I need in it or a burrito cause I'm always on the go. My Dr. Want me to eat 5 times a day which is impossible for me because I'm busy throughout the day. Good thing I'm healthy. I'm just over weight a little. I'm starting to believe everyone it's my nutrition and I could be over working my brain which may cause my body to suffer.

[JuantasticSSJ4]

In that case I suggest eliminating all carbs and compensate with protein and healthy fats. As far as weight gain there is nothing worse for you than spiking your insulin. Even fruit. But you know what? Now that I think about it? :D :) I bet your testosterone is low! Mine was and now I'm on testosterone replacement therapy and I'm happy all day! I'm even less irritable. Your levels should be at 700ng/dL and any idiot doctor who says "Oh, it's fine." When it comes out at 360ng/dL is exactly that an idiot doctor. It took me 5 different urologists until I found the right one who simply did what I told him to. Take your test levels to 1000ng/dL and be sure to take an aromatase inhibitor or you'll grow the gyno lol no fun and the only way to get it out is with surgery. Some HCG to keep your boys active. Do your research and make sure your t injections are weekly and not monthly or you'll crash really badly. Best of luck man I hope you consider the trt it changed my life! :) :) :)

[Fearless_banana]

Engineering is grueling man. You aren't going to be able to work 34 hrs and keep up unless you want to take a ridiculous amount of time. Stack up on vitamin b. Stay hydrated. Eat a lot of calories. GOOD calories. Try taking some zinc supplementation.

[Asker]

I'm thinking about cutting my hours way down in Dec beginning of second semester which is in Jan. I'm trying to find and try a solution now and everyone saying working out and diet

[Fearless_banana]

I'd personally just take out loans. Do some uber/lyft on the side when you need it. I'm in my 3rd year now.

[Asker]

This is my first year. I have car note, health, dental, vision, and car insurance, rent as well. But I'm not stressed out just sleeping a lot more than usual

[Fearless_banana]

It's going to creep up on you. I'd sugguest you leave the summer of your second year. The benefits are there but it's going to hold you back from your goals. Go to a cheaper university. With STEM, it really doesn't matter where you graduate, as in you will find employment wherever you earn your B. S.

[Asker]

The university I'm at is a cheap one I only needed to take out a $5500loan for this year because I had grants that helped out. I'm planning on getting an academic scholarship and applying for scholarships this year too. I do know 2ND semester I'm cutting my hours all the way down.

[Fearless_banana]

There you go. Good luck brah! If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

[Asker]

Thanks oh by the way I'm majoring in Biomedical Engineering

[Saoirse_Nua]

School, study and work eventually catches up with everyone - Your body is saying "Dude I need a rest" - For a couple of weeks, look at what you ABSOLUTELY have to do then the rest of the time, sleep or unwind.

[Asker]

I have to reevaluate my schedule you're not lying the closer I get to my bed the more my body starts to shut down for a nap. Good thing about that nap I wake up 30 mins to an hour later ready to go. I wake up with energy.

[phil2]

You are stressed, you need friends to take you out and have some fun with.

[Asker]

The funny thing about that is I don't feel stressed. I'm excited to be back in school at the age of 23. It's like after I leave school and go to work my first 4 hours I'm ok at work then the fatigue kicks in. When I go home I eat a small snack and then take a nap. Today is labor day and I'm off from both I was planning on going out today though to clear my mind.

[Máiiréad]

You are using a lot of your energy mentally and using your brain! That is very exhausting.

[Asker]

I try to tell myself this is just something to get use to but it's taking a toll on me. Lol

[Anonymous]

To much time working and studying you need technically to relax and party your in social withdrawal but I am impressed you have a pharmacy technician degree and want another degree but yiu need some times with friends and family

[Asker]

I have a social life but it's slowly shrinking lol. My parents think I got someone pregnant. My friends think I'm ignoring them. But I'm really sleeping, school, work, it studying. When I was in school for pharmacy tech 2 years ago and pushing carts (lol) I wasn't tired at all. Like I go to sleep at 8 if I can

[Opinion Owner]

Have you tried working out

[Asker]

1 hour 3 times a week on my only work or only school days.

[Opinion Owner]

I don't know what to tell you but you must have a genius level iq so you should be able to fuiger it out

[Opinion Owner]

Get tested for mono

[Prof_Don]

Sounds like lack of sleep to me! Aim for 8 hours if u can.

[Asker]

With a nap I get 8 to 8 and a half hours of irregular sleep. My sleep schedule is up and down.

[Prof_Don]

Then maybe it can be a nutrient deficiency. Make sure to eat enough iron and vitamin B12.

[fueledbythc]

you're burning calories by living a full life. Using your brain is a great way to burn calories.

[Asker]

I never knew that your brain burn calories to. I know that sounds crazy cause your brain is a muscle too.

[Frenchvanilla]

How much sleep are you getting? It sounds like you're not getting enough

[Asker]

Depends on day. I get almost 8 and a half hours now cause I go to sleep earlier than I use to.

[sailorjupiter]

honestly, mental task is more exhausting than physical works. that's why, we're a human, your body just need to recharge the energy

[Anonymous]

The brain is a muscle too in a way so you will still become tired and need to rest from so much mental work

[Asker]

Do you think I should cut some of my hours at work?

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah that would help if you can afford to go with less money but at least you could concentrate more on school and get the proper rest

[Asker]

I have a car note, rent, health, vision, dental and car insurance. I hate being an adult I want to be a kid again. Lol But seriously I'm thinking about move back home with my parents until about my Jr year in college to save money... I can do about min 27 hours and just have a little money in my pocket.

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah that's a good plan for now👍

[BellePepper]

You're going to school and basically working full time. Like... Both those things take energy

[Becky01]

Using your brain requires a lot of energy and makes you feel tired. If you want to get a little extra time eat something like trail mix as eating helps to keep you awake.

[Asker]

So adding a small snack packed with different types of vitamins will help out?

[Anonymous]

sleep deprivation or depression or irregular sleep pattern or stress

[Asker]

Sound more like irregular sleep pattern. Cause I don't feel stressed or anything.

[WillowTree]

Because you're in college.

[Asker]

Sounds fair enough lol

[bloodmountain1990]

How many hours of sleep are you getting?

[Asker]

Depends on average about 8 hours. But a minimum of 7 and a half.

[Anonymous]

Not eating a healthy diet

[Asker]

I sometimes eat breakfast when I can. That sound about right too

[Opinion Owner]

I know me too and it's not good. I stopped skipping it and also drank more water throughout the day and I was less tired in class. Im undergrad but I can't afford to fail my physics and chem classes

[Asker]

I got physics next semester. All my core classes math, science, and English are next semester this was a trial run. I was testing my first semester out. It's hard for me to eat breakfast though

[Opinion Owner]

Get something you can eat on the way like fruit or a bar