Lethargic living: Many adults often ‘too tired’ to go out, cook dinner, or have sex


Survey reveals that one in five adults have actually seen a doctor because they feel too exhausted to do just about anything all too frequently.


LONDON — A significant portion of people are sleepwalking their way through existence, according to a recent survey of 2,000 British adults. Many respondents admitted that they avoid every day tasks such as socializing, cooking dinner, washing their hair, and even having sex all because they’re too exhausted all the time.

The survey, commissioned by Spatone, identified working out and household cleaning as the top two activities most frequently avoided, but half of the participants also said they routinely eat out or order delivery for dinner because they’re too tired to cook for themselves. Another quarter of female respondents said they have gone to bed still wearing make-up as they were too exhausted to wash up before falling asleep.

In all, 30% have canceled a date or other social plans because they couldn’t bring themselves to leave the house. Many respondents also said they’ve avoided driving, food shopping, and reading because such activities sounded too challenging.

When looking for a jolt of energy, the majority of survey participants said their first choice is a sugary snack, followed by coffee or a nap. Another 30% go for a walk to fight off sleep, 25% said they often try to wake up by taking a shower, and an eighth listen to loud music.

The average adult will complain of sluggishness three times each day, and energy levels are usually at their lowest around 2:43 P.M. in the afternoon. Conversely, energy levels usually max out at around 10:28 A.M.

Predictably, most adults said they are at their most sleepy on Mondays, while Saturdays are usually when adults are at their most alert.

Respondents reported taking about three naps each week. Furthermore, over the course of a full week, the average respondent said they feel as though they have “no energy at all” four times.

Feeling tired all the time leads to other adverse consequences as well; two in five said their constant state of weariness leads them to eat junk food, 31% reported fighting with their partner, and 25% said they have cried over their never ending sleepiness. An eighth have fallen asleep on the job, and 40% are frequently told they appear “grumpy.” Nearly half of the respondent group (41%) have been told they look tired over the course of the past year, most frequently from their romantic partner or close friends.

Many adults (30%) said they often feel emotional or forgetful due to their tiredness, and 25% said their search for sleep usually results in anxiety.

So, why are so many people feeling so tired? An iron deficiency may be one explanation. While 64% said they are aware of iron’s influence on energy levels, three quarters admitted they still don’t get enough iron regularly. Another 25% attributed their sluggishness to long working hours, overall stress, or depressing and dark weather.

Meanwhile, a fifth have visited a doctor regarding their sleepy state.

Overall, over half of the survey’s participants said that feeling tired influences their entire mood, and a third wish there were more natural solutions available that relieve tiredness.

The survey was conducted by OnePoll.

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