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Feeling constantly exhausted despite 8.5 hours of sleep – how do people do it?

63 replies

Tchmmkln · 05/06/2025 07:18

I’m really struggling with fatigue at the moment and wondering if anyone else feels the same or has any advice.

I make sure I get 8.5 hours of sleep a night – I need that much just to feel remotely functional. To manage that, I have to be in bed by 9:15pm, which already feels too early (especially with how light it still is in the evenings). I physically can’t go to bed any earlier, it just doesn’t feel right.

But even with 8.5 hours, I wake up feeling like I haven’t rested. And getting that much sleep means every morning is a mad rush to get to work on time – there’s no margin for a slower start or time for myself.

At work, I’m on total autopilot. I’m constantly yawning, struggling to focus, and counting down to the end of my shift. It’s frustrating because I know I’m not performing at my best and could be better at my job if I had more energy.

My husband does the cooking and washing up every evening because I just don’t have the energy after work. The house is constantly messy for the same reason – I just can’t bring myself to tidy when I get home.

We don’t even have children! I honestly have no idea how people manage full-time jobs, parenting, housework, hobbies, and a social life. I only work part-time and still spend most of my weekends recovering from the week.

Life just feels exhausting. Is this normal? How are people finding the energy to function? Would love to hear how others cope.

OP posts:
Cakeandcheeseforever · 05/06/2025 08:11

It sounds really odd sorry. I’m in my 40s, about seven hours sleep a night, work full time, have two kids and still have enough energy to clean and cook etc.

I don’t understand why you are rushing in the mornings, do you start work very early? If you go to bed at 9.15, 8.5 hours sleep would mean getting up at 6ish?

Secularbeaver · 05/06/2025 08:04

When I was underweight and iron deficient this was exactly how I felt - early 20s and constantly knackered.

Im now 38, 3 kids and work full time and I AM tired but it's a different sort of tiredness to that dog tired cannot function type.

Wanderdust · 05/06/2025 07:26

Definitely get yourself to a doctor, that's not normal. I'm 30 weeks pregnant with kids and don't feel as tired as you! 😕 I hope you get some answers, take care of yourself.

Tchmmkln · 05/06/2025 07:24

PersephoneParlormaid · 05/06/2025 07:20

I’d ask how old you are and have you had your thyroid, iron and B12 checked? How heavy/frequent are your periods?

Periods are fairly regular with only a couple days out are quite heavy though. A couple years ago I had my iron checked and it came out normal.
Also to note I am borderline underweight so don’t know if that might be why. I do eat enough though just always have struggled to stay a healthy weight.

OP posts:
Drawings · 05/06/2025 07:23

A few good suggestions already, I’ve always struggled with tiredness it’s been a journey.

  • you need to go to the GP and ask for blood test - iron, coeliac, thyroid, b12 etc
  • do you have a smart watch? Do you know how much of that sleep is quality sleep? Like PP above a weighed blanket can increase quality of sleep.
Thyroidlady · 05/06/2025 07:23

I am another coming to say please get your thyroid and iron checked

ToddlerMumma · 05/06/2025 07:23

Not particularly normal, no. Are you perimenopausal? I take magnesium which helps. I also go to the gym which seems to wake my body up. Life can be hard sometimes though x

Tchmmkln · 05/06/2025 07:22

PersephoneParlormaid · 05/06/2025 07:20

I’d ask how old you are and have you had your thyroid, iron and B12 checked? How heavy/frequent are your periods?

I am 27. No haven’t had any bloods, but have an appointment booked with the doctor in a couple weeks

OP posts:
Tangled123 · 05/06/2025 07:22

I think tiredness is a symptom of a few illnesses. I remember being miserable halfway through pregnancy but felt like a different person after they put me on iron tablets. I’d get a blood test OP.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 05/06/2025 07:21

I felt like that my entire life until I got a weighted duvet.

MyUmberSeal · 05/06/2025 07:20

I don’t think it is normal at all. If you truly feel as exhausted as you say, I think perhaps a chat with your GP, and maybe get some basic blood tests done.

Eyesopenwideawake · 05/06/2025 07:20

Your doctor should be your first port of call - there are lots of medical reasons for this but only he/she will know which tests are required.

PersephoneParlormaid · 05/06/2025 07:20

I’d ask how old you are and have you had your thyroid, iron and B12 checked? How heavy/frequent are your periods?

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