To be exhausted

[mynamechangemyrules]

I am exhausted. Every day, at any time of the day, I could genuinely fall asleep. When I lie down at the end of the day my whole body aches like my legs sort of hum. It is bone draining, depressing tiredness. But I can’t work out why specifically I feel like this.

Physically, Dr has done blood tests, low Vit D which was prescribed for and taken, no change in feeling. Iron etc all ok if a little low.

I work full time in an active job (physically and mentally) teaching teenaged SEN children.

I am a single parent of 3 children who do many clubs etc.

I have 3 slipped/ split discs and 2 replaced joints due to childhood issues.

I’m perimenopausal age and periods all but stopped but no symptoms (unless this is the symptom?!).

Emotionally, I have a court date relatively soon to attempt to deal with an emotionally and financially abusive ex who is shitty to the kids and myself on the daily. Aggressive emails, blaming, manipulating. Safeguarding issues, police aware. I’m always skint which is frankly pretty fucking tiring.

What is making me tired, specifically? What can I do to improve this?

Today I gave up a bit and lay down after getting dinner on the table at 6.30 and I was woken up by my son at 9.30. I’m going back to bed now.

it’s so fucking tiring being tired!

YABU: it’s just your life keep going
YANBU: it sounds like a specific problem and here’s how to help (please and thank you 😬)

Sounds like you have good reason to be exhausted, you are emotionally and physically run ragged. The court date looming will be very stressful on top! I am peri age, and would say this is very much a symptom I suffer with. All bloods ok except low for folic acid which I have been prescribed and makes no difference as you experienced with vit d. I don’t know the answer but a month of no responsibilities is definitely appealing albeit impossible

I can’t work out why specifically I feel like this

OP the whole rest of your post explains why you are tired

Has your vitamin B12 level been checked?

Just to get back to basics, if you are so busy and under so much pressure, how much sleep do you manage to get? Are your DC still waking in the night or making a fuss about going to bed? If so, I don’t know quite what to suggest but it could be a factor.
On the other hand, are the DC old enough to be taking on some household tasks which might relieve you of some of the pressure? Could you carpool with other parents to some of their activities which might help?

I feel exhausted reading your post!
I would -
try to eat a healthy protein full diet
exercise regularly
take a otc iron tablet if your iron was in normal range but low
Continue Vit d
consider HRT
Try magnesium

Ask for a sleep study. You don't have to be an overweight man to suffer from sleep apnea, and you wouldn't know if it was the case. It could also identify other issues. It did for me. I had no idea. Exact same exhaustion.

I mean, your life does sound quite exhausting! Are you taking care of yourself, eating well etc?

I would be exhausted too in your shoes. Short term. Do you have any opportunity to recharge over the summer?

How old are your kids? Can you have a week of sleeping in and chilling out?

Thanks for the replies so far. I think I am desperate for it to be fixable and maybe it isn’t! I’m not eating well (not majorly badly, just a bit random at times). I’m also not taking supplements.

Did they check your thyroid? It does sound like you have an awful lot going on but make sure thats looked at it if it hasn't been.

Did they specifically check your thyroid and give you the numbers of it?

Start with sleep and food. Go to bed earlier and keep a regular bed time. Even if other stuff gets left. Eat 3 good meals at regular times. Simple but nutritious food. Maybe snack on nuts or something similar. See how that goes then add in something else like an evening walk and some supplements. But prioritise yourself as you clearly need to for you and your kids.