Does it feel like some alien creature has crept into your bedroom late at night and sucked the energy right out of you? Don’t worry, you are not the only one suffering an attack from this energy-sucking creature.
Many men over 40 live with waning energy and concentration, body and mood changes, and/or reduced libido. Often these changes are attributed to age, but age isn’t the only underlying issue.
The following are a just few of the reasons energy shifts, mood changes and fatigue can occur:
Sleep deprived: Sleep plays an integral role in our day to day lives, and getting enough is as vital for fueling the body as food. Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, learning and concentration difficulties and even increased risk of accidents. Though sleep requirements vary from one person to the next, it’s extremely important to get the appropriate amount of sleep for the body to function optimally.
Beyond Blue: Depression is an illness that can affect how a person thinks, feels and acts. Changes in mood, energy levels, or difficulties functioning that get in the way of everyday activities, productivity at work or cause strain on relationships should be addressed with a health care professional.
Couching around: Lack of physical activity can have an impact on mood and energy levels. An analysis by University of Georgia researchers found overwhelming evidence that regular exercise plays a significant role in increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue. It’s important to make time for regular exercise.
Hormones on hiatus: Hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone, is estimated to affect up to 25 percent of men over the age of 40. While testosterone levels will naturally and gradually decrease with age to a certain degree, it’s important to be aware of the role this hormone plays in the body and the symptoms and possible long-term implications of abnormally low levels.These include fatigue or lack of energy, depressed mood, decrease in bone density, increase in body fat and loss of muscle mass.
If men over the age of 40 are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, they should speak to their health care professional.
