What Causes Low Energy in Men?

It's normal for men to feel their energy levels deplete after a long, busy day although a variety of other factors can contribute to their low energy. Certain health conditions are more common in men than women and can have different health effects on men.

Causes of Low Energy in Men

Testosterone

Testosterone is the male sex hormone that plays an essential role in men's energy levels. Testosterone levels in the body decline as men age and by the time a man reaches age 70, his testosterone levels can be 50 per cent lower than baseline. Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, depression and low energy levels.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition characterised by long periods of unhappiness, and difficulty to perform and enjoy daily activities. A study found that over 90 per cent of people with depression experience fatigue. Other symptoms of depression include:

- Trouble sleeping

- Feeling numb

- Difficulty concentrating

- Difficulty performing everyday tasks

- Withdrawing from friends and family

Men tend to ignore their mental health and fail to seek treatment for depression in fear of damaging their masculinity. Every 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lifetime and if left untreated, the mental condition can seriously impair health and may lead to suicide.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a condition where the throat constricts during sleep and stops the flow of breathing. The pauses usually last anywhere between ten seconds to a minute and can wake up the person constantly during sleep. This can cause loud snoring and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Without a restful recommended 7-10 hours of sleep each night, the body can feel lethargic and have difficulty concentrating the following day. Sleep apnoea is more common in men than women, and people who are overweight.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition where the person has difficulty falling and staying asleep. This can result in extreme fatigue during the day as sleep plays a crucial role in our brain functioning and energy levels.

 Disturbed sleep throughout the night can cause low energy levels in the day.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant with sedative effects. Depressant drugs slow down the central nervous system which slows down the heart rate and breathing. As more alcohol is consumed in a short period, the senses become impaired resulting in a slower reaction time. Too much alcohol consumption can also lead to a hangover the following days. Symptoms of a hangover include:

- Headaches

- Muscle Aches

- Fatigue and low energy

- Sensitivity to light and loud noise

- Vomiting

Ways to Increase Energy

Exercise

Physical exercise is a great way to increase testosterone and adrenalin in the body, both of which are energy boosters. It also releases the hormones endorphins and dopamine, which help improve mood and well-being. Exercise also helps with sleep quality and stress by reducing anxiety and helping the body fall asleep quickly.

Diet

Eating a diet filled with nutritious and varied food groups will ensure that your body is meeting all its daily nutritional requirements to boost energy levels. Processed, sugary and fast foods can deplete energy levels and lead to fatigue.

Diet plays a major role in energy levels. 

Sleep

Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep every night as sleep plays an important role in our physical and mental health. Getting enough sleep contributes to our functioning ability and our productivity levels the following day. Tips for getting better sleep:

- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

- Avoid objects that emit blue light before bedtime as it can interrupt the body's melatonin production, the hormone responsible for our sleeping cycle.

- Avoid exercising close to bedtime.

- Avoid drinking caffeine before bedtime.

- Make your bedroom and bed comfortable. Make sure the temperature is not too cold or hot and cover any lights.

- Set a routine before bed to help you relax, such as reading a book.

- Stress.

Unmanaged stress has been linked to chronic fatigue and interrupted sleeping patterns. The silent killer can place extra strain on the body and our mental health. Learn to manage your stress levels so that it does not affect your energy levels. Ways to manage stress:

- Exercise

- Eat a healthy diet

- Take regular breaks to recharge the mind

- Do yoga

- Share your load with someone who can help

- Make time for yourself

- Talk to someone you trust about your problems

- Take B group vitamins

B vitamins are a group of eight vitamins that supports general health and wellbeing. B vitamins may support energy levels, red blood cell production, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. Men's energy and stamina can be the result of several things, which can be improved by identifying the cause and making changes to their habits. However, it's always important to consult a medical professional if you notice any changes in your body. There may be another underlying cause for the fatigue that must be diagnosed before it leads to anything serious.


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Lipa Pharmaceutical's Private Label range includes Men's Multi with all the daily essential vitamins for nutritional support and daily energy.