Why do some people feel more tired than others?

[MinorSammy]

Medical conditions aside, what affects how tired people feel?

I've never felt tired really in my life and I want to know why because I'm nosy and it's interesting. Three kids, terrible sleepers, up all night for years. Hardly slept in late pregnancy either due to discomfort. Was really anaemic with my second and third. But never ever feel tired.

I sleep around 8 hours a night if left to my own devices without screaming children. I fall asleep easily. I generally have very stable hormones I think, or at least I don't get mood changes through the month or during pregnancy. I can drink all the coffee I want, or none at all, and it makes no difference.

Why are some people like me, is it all governed by hormones? Is it genetic? It can't just be good habits/lifestyle because lots of people have those and still struggle if they get no sleep. My brother does healthy habits but still gets tired like a normal person I will say.

It's not short sleeper syndrome because I sleep 8 hours a night ideally, which is too long for this condition.

Anyone else like this? I'd love to hear theories on why you think you might be like this!

I've always wondered this too OP, I think it's gotta be genetics right? I have a friend who has insomnia and sleeps about 3hrs per night but is very rarely tired, goes to the gym at 6am, works full time, goes out socialising a fair amount. Whereas if I miss even a few hours sleep I have horrendous symptoms, not just like yawning sleepy, I get really foggy headed, feel weak, anxiety is higher when tired etc. such a massive difference between the two.

I’m constantly exhausted. No major medical issues, I do usually low iron and vitamin d but take supplements and levels were good on my last blood test. But I’m a terrible sleeper - have been since I was a teenager and the quality of sleep I get almost every night is just crap and I’ve just never properly caught up on all what I’ve missed.

@GlassCeling what an amazing mix humans are!
@Resisterance sorry to hear that. Menopause seems to be another thing which varies enormously between women. Some hardly notice and others are hit by a steamroller 😞

Long COVID twice, several close bereavements, I'm a widowed parent and I'm absolutely exhausted. Rarely get a day where I don't want to fall asleep before 10pm.

I'm 63 and don't remember ever not being tired. I manage to work long hours but I never feel 100% well and I'm permanently tired. I've tried everything over the years but nothing changes it so I live with it. And the older I get the worse my sleep is which also doesn't help

Felt tired all my adult life. Have to limit what I do each day or the fatigue is awful. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease aged 22, then osteoarthritis just before turning 40. OP, you got lucky 😀

Well I've obviously already eaten both types and never noticed this.
But then I don't feel tired after eating very carby food either, unlike some people.

This subjects fascinates me because I'm one of the 'always tired's and have been all my life (and would love to be one of the Energiser Bunnies!) I eat well, exercise every day, gave up drinking... but know so many people who live on junk food and drink like fish and somehow wake up fresh and excited about the day while I wake from 9 hours sleep still groggy... 🤷‍♀️

Some of my theories have been mentioned here: genetics; being 'HSP' (I know it's not popular on here, but I definitely notice everything and feel things deeply and take on other people's vibes, and it's exhausting); I don't sleep so well (especially since meno, waking to pee); I have autoimmune disease (Graves) and wonder if there's another bubbling under somewhere (AI diseases tend to cluster); I've always been just on the cusp of anaemic, but have never had a doctor prepared to take that seriously (apparently being constantly just below the threshold is 'acceptable', even while I have exhaustion, tinnitus and hair loss)... And I see a connection between depression and fatigue, but it's chicken and egg, I don't know which came first.

If I have a bad night's sleep, even 'just' seven hours, it's not like 'Oh, I'm a bit sluggish, better have some coffee' - it's like a total physical and psychological disaster area! It really piques my anxiety and makes me feel vulnerable. And I've tried 'pushing through it' but that makes it worse... Meanwhile, my 80 year old mother is mad for kayaking and can shop all day, sustained only by a boozy lunch...

And this makes me feel like a right ninny, but honestly, it's something that I hate and wish was different. So I'm watching this thread in the hope that someone will say 'I did this and became Superwoman!' But so far, we seem to be in two groups like the extraverts and introverts who will never understand each other... 😄