Why am I always tired?

Raise your hand if you feel perpetually exhausted, even after sleeping for what feels like forever. You’re not alone. Being a teen often feels like a never-ending battle against fatigue. You're constantly yawning, dragging yourself through classes, and dreaming of your bed. So, what’s the deal? Why are you so tired all the time?

First, your body is literally wired to sleep more during your teen years. Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, shifts. This means you naturally want to stay up later and sleep in later. But then, school starts early, and your body is basically screaming, "I'm not ready yet!" This mismatch between your body's natural rhythm and your schedule is a major culprit for teen fatigue.

Stress is another big one. School pressure, social drama, family stuff—it all adds up. When you're stressed, your brain can have a hard time shutting down, making it tough to fall asleep and stay asleep. It's like your mind is in overdrive, even when your body wants to crash. Chronic stress can really drain your energy reserves.

And let's talk about screens. Your phone, your laptop, your TV—they all emit blue light. This blue light can mess with your body's production of melatonin, the hormone that tells your brain it's time to sleep. Scrolling through TikTok right before bed might feel relaxing, but it could actually be keeping you awake longer than you think. Late-night gaming or binge-watching shows also eats into precious sleep time.

Bad sleep hygiene also plays a role. This means inconsistent bedtimes, napping too much during the day, or having a super messy sleep environment. Your brain thrives on routine, and when you're all over the place with your sleep schedule, it struggles to adapt. It's like trying to run a marathon without training.

So, what’s the fix? Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that doesn't involve screens. Make your bedroom a cool, dark, quiet sanctuary. If you're still feeling like a zombie, it might be worth chatting with a doctor. They can check for any underlying issues or offer more tailored advice. You deserve to wake up feeling refreshed, not like you pulled an all-nighter.