The Surprising Reason You’re Tired All the Time!

New research could explain why you’re so darn tired all the time — and lead you to the solution.(Photo: Getty Images/Photodisc)

If you’re constantly trying not to doze off and are always daydreaming about your bed (oh, your perfect, cozy, warm bed…), you’re not the only one. Many people feel tired during the day — and lack of sleep isn’t always the reason.

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine have found that both obesity and depression are underlying causes for chronic drowsiness. The revelation may lead to more personalized treatments for excessive daytime sleepiness, or the inability to stay alert during the day. Studies estimate the condition affects between 11 to 25 percent of the population.

In the new study, more than 1,300 people spent a night being observed in a sleep lab, and then underwent a physical exam and filled out surveys on their sleep habits and well-being. After about 7.5 years, on average, the researchers followed up with telephone interviews to check in on the study participants’ health and sleep.

The results, published in the journal SLEEP, showed that gaining weight and being obese were linked with excessive daytime sleepiness. Losing weight, on the other hand, was associated with relief from the condition over time.

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