If you have trouble sleeping, you may benefit from setting a regular sleep schedule and winding down at the end of the night by taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or listening to relaxing music.

Some research also suggests that limiting your use of electronic devices, like your phone, laptop, or television, before bed could also help increase sleep quality and prevent daytime sleepiness 3 , 4.

If you often feel tired throughout the day, you may need more quality sleep. Try going to bed earlier and reducing screen time before bed.

Not only can stress take a serious toll on your physical and mental health, but it has also been closely linked to tiredness and fatigue 5 , 6.

Consider what is frequently causing you to feel stressed or drained and ask yourself whether you can remove it from your life. Potential causes of stress include 7 :. In many cases, it may not be possible to completely remove sources of stress from your life.

However, if you are able to reduce your stress levels , it could help bump up your energy. Strategies to increase your energy levels in the moment include taking some time for yourself to relax, reading, or going for a walk.

You could also try mindfulness or meditation techniques , which may reduce anxiety 8 , 9 , Read this article for more information on finding mental health care. High levels of stress can make you feel tired and drained.

Finding ways to minimize lifestyle-related stress can help keep up your energy levels. Regular exercise is important for reducing your risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity According to one small study, university students who participated in a low intensity running program 3 times per week for 6 weeks experienced significant improvements in fatigue and sleep quality, compared with a control group Another study in employees with high levels of work-related fatigue showed that participating in a 6-week exercise program improved the following factors 15 :.

To incorporate exercise into your day, try getting away from your desk and going for a walk on your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to work or school instead of driving. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and feel low on energy, participating in regular exercises, like walking, running, or cycling, can boost your energy levels.

Smoking can negatively affect multiple health aspects and may increase the risk of numerous chronic conditions Over time, this can reduce the amount of oxygen transported throughout your body, making you feel tired If you regularly smoke, quitting may be associated with many health benefits, including increased energy levels Some people find it helpful to switch cigarettes for a nicotine replacement, like gum, patches, or lozenges They can point you in the direction of the support services that will suit you best.

Smoking can reduce the efficiency of your lungs and make you feel tired. Quitting smoking is great for both your energy levels and your overall health. Drinking alcohol can have a sedative effect and may make you feel drowsy and relaxed However, regularly drinking alcohol before bed can reduce the quality of your sleep 20 , Alcohol can also act as a diuretic, meaning that it increases the production of urine.

Therefore, if you have a few drinks right before bed, it could interrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up in the middle of the night The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC defines moderation as one drink per day for women and two per day for men If you have a hard time limiting your intake of alcohol or would like additional support, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for more guidance.

This article also provides detailed tips and resources. Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but it can also interfere with the quality of your sleep. If you drink regularly, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume could help increase your energy levels.

Following a well-rounded diet can not only reduce your risk of several chronic conditions but also significantly affect your energy levels 24 , Choosing whole, nutritious foods can provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best.

On the other hand, eating lots of processed foods that are high in sugar and fat can negatively affect both your energy levels and your overall health 26 , Additionally, some studies show that skipping meals may be linked to fatigue, anxiety, and poor attention 28 , 29 , This is because severe dietary restrictions can result in a lack of both calories and essential nutrients, such as iron, which could take a toll on your energy levels 31 , Following a healthy diet can benefit both your health and your energy levels.

When you feel tired, it can be easy to reach for a sweet, sugar-filled snack. However, although sugar can give you a short-term energy boost, it also wears off very quickly and can leave you feeling more tired than before.

This is because high sugar foods cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash as the body releases a large amount of insulin to transport sugar from the bloodstream to the cells 33 , Eating large amounts of added sugar may also increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, so limiting your intake of added sugar can benefit both your energy levels and your health 36 , If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your energy levels more stable and reducing fatigue, try trading foods high in added sugar for:.

Eating foods high in sugar may lead to chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Consider minimizing your intake and focusing on eating whole foods instead.

Drinking enough water is incredibly important for several aspects of health. In particular, dehydration can have a huge effect on your brain function, mood, energy levels, and more 38 , For example, one small study found that acute dehydration significantly increased the perception of fatigue and impaired muscular performance in athletes As a general rule, try drinking water whenever you feel thirsty to ensure that you stay hydrated.

Additionally, keep in mind that older adults may not always feel thirsty when they need water. As such, they may need to make a conscious effort to drink more throughout the day to stay hydrated Dehydration can make you feel tired.

In fact, social isolation can cause low mood and tiredness, especially as you age Some research even indicates that having stronger social support could be associated with improvements in physical and mental health as you age 43 , 44 , 45 , If you feel tired and in low spirits, it can be helpful to try socializing with friends, joining a club or class, volunteering, or finding a new hobby that gets you out and about.

Getting out of the house and mingling with other people is beneficial for both your energy levels and your health. But remember to try to get a little more sleep tonight, too, OK? Pictured Recipe: You'll Want to Drink This Anti-Inflammatory Beet Smoothie Every Day. Feeling a little sluggish? You might need water—not coffee.

How come? You might be dehydrated. This affects the cells in your muscles and brain, and you might feel that as brain fog or lethargy. If there's not enough water in your body, this means that every cell is going to be deprived of this, and—although it might still function with the little water it does have—it's going to do so less optimally," says Samantha Cochrane, RD , a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

In a study on male Chinese students published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , dehydration led people to feel less energetic, and they had lower moods, along with problems with memory and attention.

In terms of how much water you should drink , females should aim for 91 ounces of total liquid from food and drink per day; for males, that's ounces.

Cochrane advises drinking water when you're thirsty. She says that having a water bottle by your side, choosing a bottle that keeps your water at your preferred temperature e.

Of course, coffee is on this list. Caffeinated coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that binds to adenosine receptors in the brain.

Adenosine makes you feel sleepy, but caffeine blocks that process from happening, which ultimately makes you awake and alert, explains JN Learning a division of the JAMA Network. Coffee offers many health benefits , from a decreased risk of heart disease to a healthier brain.

However, there are a few things to remember if you have a java habit. Cochrane cautions against substituting coffee for breakfast. In addition, be mindful of how much sugar your cup contains.

Sugar, too, can increase your energy temporarily, but you're also more likely to have an energy crash due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Unlike water, coffee or tea, a well-planned smoothie contains macronutrients —carbohydrates, protein, fat—that provide calories to give your body energy. Plus, a smoothie is also a source of hydration from the added liquid, ice and fruit.

The majority of fruit is water. But just because it's a smoothie doesn't make it automatically healthy—some can be added-sugar bombs from juice with added sugar or even sherbet. Cochrane suggests making sure yours is made with a source of protein e. Stress is such a drag on your energy; it can make you feel depleted fast.

If you're entering a stress slump, try a hot or iced matcha. Healthy adults who consumed 2 grams of matcha about 1 teaspoon every day for two weeks had better cognitive function during and after stressful conditions than placebo groups, found a study in Nutrition Research.

Catechins in tea combat the damage free radicals can have on the brain; matcha also has theanine, a compound known to boost attention, and some caffeine for a perk. Matcha, especially when purchased from a coffee shop as a "matcha drink" rather than tea , may be packed with added sugars.

Look out for those in your favorite matcha, or better yet, brew yours at home with one of these Healthy Matcha Recipes. According to a study published in PLoS One , people reported that they experienced a boost in vitality—a measurement that captured how energetic and "full of life" they felt—when they were given two additional servings of fruits and veggies to eat, compared to a control group.

Fresh whole fruit and veggies differ from juice, of course. Still, researchers suspect that the variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may affect one's well-being through mechanisms like better blood flow to the brain or changes in the gut microbiome.

One idea? Grab two gold kiwis, puree them in a blender, and then top with sparkling water or coconut water for a kiwi refresher. Eating two kiwifruit per day has been found to improve one's feelings of "vitality," as well as energy and mood, possibly thanks to the fruit's high vitamin C levels, according to a small review in Nutrients.

Beet juice might not be your first choice in a beverage, but it may boost your exercise performance. One systematic review published in in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that beetroot juice helped decrease fatigue during a running sprint test, while other research published in in Nutrients concluded that beet juice improved performance during resistance exercise.

Beets pack nitrates , which are converted into nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow, thus increasing oxygen to the muscles and the brain—something that can help you feel as if you're not working as hard and therefore have more energy to tackle physical exercise.

In an energy slump? Here are three lifestyle habits that can make you feel more energetic and on it. If you need caffeine to stay alert, hit the snooze button multiple times, or are increasingly irritable or mistake-prone, you might be sleep-deprived, per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Aiming for the seven-plus hours of sleep per night adults need, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , can help. The key, though, is getting there. Proper sleep hygiene , such as turning off electronics before bed, instituting a "wind-down" time and sleeping in a cool, dark and quiet environment, can help you catch the zzz's you need.

Getting your sweat on doesn't make you tired—it can pump you up.

Dark berries tend to be higher in natural antioxidants than lighter-colored ones, which may reduce inflammation and fatigue in the body. They also tend to have less sugar than sweeter fruits, while still satisfying a craving for a sweet taste.

Fish, in general, is an excellent and light source of protein and B vitamins that may give the body sustained energy throughout the day. Fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, tend to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids. As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, omega-3 fatty acids may improve brain function and reduce inflammation in the body, which may be a cause of fatigue in some people.

Beef liver may be one of the best meat sources for vitamin B, which keeps the body feeling full of energy. While many cuts of meat contain vitamin B, the difference is that beef liver has a large amount. According to the United States Department of Agriculture USDA , a 3-ounce cut of beef flank steak contains about 1.

The same cut of beef liver contains 60 mcg of vitamin B, according to the USDA. Yogurt may also be a source of energy. As the USDA show, natural yogurt is rich in protein, fats, and simple carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body. Yogurt is also very easy to eat on the go, which makes it a great alternative to vending machine food.

Eggs provide the body with plenty of protein and nutrients for sustainable energy. As the USDA note, one large hard-boiled egg contains about 6 grams g of protein and 5 g of fat , as well as vitamins and minerals to help keep the body energized and feeling full for longer than other snacks.

Yams and sweet potatoes are beneficial sources of carbohydrates, which provide energy. This may make them a good option for sustained energy throughout the day. As a study in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology notes, beets may provide the body with a great source of antioxidants and nutrients that help improve blood flow and energy.

People can consume beets as dried beetroot chips, cooked beets or as a bottle of beetroot juice. Dark, leafy greens such as kale , spinach, and collard greens are nutrient dense and contain filling proteins, as well as nutrients and antioxidants.

Greens may be difficult to digest raw for some people, so breaking them down by cooking them with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice may help. Dark chocolate may be an easy way to increase energy.

Rich, dark chocolate usually has much less sugar than milk chocolate. Less sugar means less immediate energy, but more cocoa content means more of the benefits of cocoa, including helpful antioxidants such as flavonoids.

A study in the journal Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology notes that dark chocolate may benefit the cardiovascular system by helping more blood pump around the body.

This blood carries fresh oxygen, which may also make a person feel more awake and alert. A bowl of whole-grain oatmeal may be a great way to provide the body with energy. Oats are rich in fiber, and they may enable the body to feel fuller for longer than other breakfast choices.

As a study in The Journal of Nutrition notes, whole-grain oats are also a source of essential minerals, vitamins, and phenolic compounds, all of which may help energize the body. Popcorn is rich in carbohydrates. However, it also contains fiber to help slow the digestion. Popcorn may make a person feel full for longer than other carbohydrates.

As a study in Nutrition Journal notes, people who ate popcorn rather than potato chips felt fuller from the snack. This may be helpful for dieters, as popcorn usually contains fewer calories than potato chips.

Quinoa is a seed, but most people treat it as a grain. Quinoa is high in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The combination of amino acids and slow-release carbohydrates may make for sustainable energy rather than a short burst of glucose from other grains.

One of the benefits of brown rice may be that it retains much of the fiber from the husk. The husk is not there in white rice, which may cause the body to absorb the carbohydrate content quickly.

This may lead to a spike and then a crash in energy levels. By having the husk, brown rice may help slow the digestion of these carbohydrates, therefore, releasing energy more slowly. Whether roasted soybeans or young edamame beans in the pod, soybeans contain protein with a wide variety of amino acids, as well as magnesium and potassium , according to the USDA.

Lentils are a relatively cheap form of protein and fiber, which may make them a great option for people on a budget.

The USDA note that 1 cup of lentils contains about 18 g of protein, 40 g of carbs, 15 g of fiber, and less than 4 g of sugar. The fiber may help to manage the digestion of the carbs, keeping the body full and providing a source of sustained energy.

Many nuts contain a blend of protein, fats, and some carbohydrates to provide energy throughout the day. Nuts are typically also rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium , or phosphorous.

Nuts are usually high in essential fatty acids. As a study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition notes, these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue. Peanut butter is typically rich in protein, fats, and fiber, and may help a person feel full for longer after eating it.

This may cut the need for constant snacking, which may also leave a person feeling drained as their body has to digest continuously. Many seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are rich sources of fatty acids and fiber, which may translate to more energy.

Seeds are also easy to carry and make a great addition to a quick trail mix. Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list. Water is vital for every cell in the body to work correctly. While most people think of dehydration as an extreme scenario, the body may become partially dehydrated if a person goes all morning without water.

Maintaining energy can be as simple as carrying a water bottle around and sipping it throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. The caffeine in coffee makes the body and mind feel alert and may make people more productive.

Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better. Coffee is a stimulant, however, so people should consume it in moderation. Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine.

Green tea still contains small amounts of caffeine, but it also has compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The result may be a smoother transition than coffee to a more awake and energetic state. Yerba maté is a drink native to South America. Drinking the herb as a tea provides the body with similar stimulating effects as tea or coffee.

Yerba maté contains many active nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. People who drink yerba maté say it provides a much smoother form of energy by comparison to the jolt of energy from coffee. As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, yerba maté may also improve mood and help people feel full, even after exercise, which may be helpful for those looking to lose weight while maintaining their energy levels.

While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy. All of the studies showed that those who took ashwagandha extract scored better on tests measuring stress, anxiety and fatigue.

In addition to improving mental fatigue and stress, research also suggests ashwagandha can alleviate fatigue associated with exercise. Rhodiola rosea is an herb that grows in certain cold, mountainous regions.

In one study, researchers combined and analyzed the results of 11 studies that examined the effects of rhodiola on physical and mental fatigue in more than people 7. Of the 11 studies, 8 found evidence that rhodiola can enhance physical performance and ease mental fatigue.

There were also no major safety risks associated with rhodiola supplements. Another review concluded that rhodiola carries a low risk for side effects and may be helpful for alleviating physical and mental fatigue 8. Rhodiola has been suggested to help with depression as well, which is commonly linked to fatigue 9 , A week study compared the antidepressant effect of rhodiola to the commonly prescribed antidepressant sertraline, or Zoloft It may also help alleviate fatigue in people with depression.

Along with the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 helps transform the food you eat into energy that your cells can use.

Vitamin B12 is found naturally in a variety of animal proteins, such as meat, fish and dairy products. Many foods are also fortified with B12, allowing most Americans to meet their vitamin B12 needs by consuming a balanced diet containing foods rich in B12 Nevertheless, some populations may be at risk of a B12 deficiency, which occurs when your body does not get enough or is unable to absorb the amount you need.

However, there is no evidence that suggests supplementing with B12 — or any of the B vitamins, for that matter — can boost energy in people who have adequate levels Vitamin B12 plays an important role in energy production.

Aging, eliminating animal products from your diet and diseases affecting the GI tract can all contribute to low levels of B12 and result in fatigue and weakness. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to the organs and tissues throughout your body.

This results in iron deficiency anemia, which may leave you feeling fatigued and weak Causes of iron deficiency anemia include 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 :. In these cases, an iron supplement may be needed to correct a deficiency and avoid complications associated with iron deficiency anemia, including fatigue.

However, because there are health risks from excessive iron intake , consult with your doctor to see if iron supplements are right for you 30 , Without iron, oxygen delivery to the entire body is limited, which may result in extreme fatigue.

A diet low in iron, excessive blood loss and pregnancy can increase iron needs. Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a role in sleep. Chronic insomnia can make you constantly tired and low on energy. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early and poor sleep quality For people with chronic fatigue syndrome, melatonin supplements have been shown to improve concentration and energy while reducing fatigue 61 , 62 , However, it is currently unclear whether taking melatonin supplements can help reduce fatigue for people with these conditions Melatonin supplements appear to be safe.

Melatonin is an important hormone that plays a role in sleep. Supplementing with melatonin may be an effective way to alleviate insomnia, resulting in improved alertness and decreased fatigue.

CoQ10, which stands for coenzyme Q10, is made naturally in the body. CoQ10 comes in a few forms, including ubiquinone and ubiquinol. All cells contain CoQ10, although the heart, kidneys and liver have the highest levels.

Cells use CoQ10 to make energy and protect themselves from oxidative damage 12 , Fish, meat and nuts contain CoQ10, but not in large enough amounts to significantly increase levels in your body Therefore, CoQ10 supplements may be a better solution for reducing fatigue in people who have declining or low levels.

CoQ10 levels decrease with age and may be low in people with heart failure, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes or in people who take statins, a class of medications used to lower blood cholesterol levels 16 , 17 , 18 , However, CoQ10 supplements are unlikely to increase energy in people with adequate levels of the enzyme Additionally, studies in both humans and animals suggest that CoQ10 supplements are safe in appropriate doses Studies show that one of several forms of CoQ10, known as ubiquinol, is more efficient at improving the levels of CoQ10 in older men Aging, certain diseases and statin treatment are associated with low levels of CoQ10, which may increase feelings of fatigue.

CoQ10 supplements may help correct this. Creatine is a compound that is naturally found in red meat, pork, poultry and fish. It acts as a source of quick energy in your body. Adenosine triphosphate ATP is the energy currency of life. When your body uses ATP for energy, it loses a phosphate group and becomes adenosine diphosphate.

Therefore, when your body needs a quick source of energy, creatine lends its phosphate to ADP and becomes ATP. This translates to a pound increase in weight for someone who can bench pounds 91 kg just from taking creatine In another review, older adults who took creatine gained 3. This increased energy allows you to train harder and longer.

Citrulline works to increase nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, causing the inner muscles of blood vessels to widen and thus increasing circulation. This allows blood, oxygen and nutrients to travel to all areas of the body.

But when the ability to produce nitric oxide is limited, physical weakness and lack of energy may occur 41 , Citrulline also plays a role in the urea cycle, helping to eliminate ammonia from the body.

Ammonia production is a major contributor to fatigue that is triggered by intense exercise. Therefore, citrulline can decrease fatigue associated with intense exercise, allowing you to exercise longer 45 , In one study, people who took citrulline finished a cycling test 1.

The citrulline group also reported less fatigue and quicker recovery The safety of citrulline is also well established, even in large doses This can help decrease fatigue and plays a role in energy production.

Beetroot powder is made from the beetroot vegetable and contains a high amount of nitrate Similar to L-citrulline, nitrate produces nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Several study analyses suggest that supplementing with beetroot increases the amount of time it takes for athletes to get tired during exercise 51 , 52 , This is because the nitrate found in beetroot decreases the amount of oxygen required to exercise at various intensities.

The less oxygen you need to exercise, the less tired you will feel and the longer you will be able to exercise. Additionally, because nitrate increases nitric oxide production in your body, supplementing with beetroot may also decrease high blood pressure 55 , 56 , 57 , However, while harmless, the color pigments in beetroot may stain your urine or stool red Beetroot contains a compound called nitrate, which relaxes your blood vessels.

When used as a supplement, beetroot can increase oxygen delivery throughout your body, allowing you to exercise longer. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by your body. It is found in most high-protein foods, including chicken, eggs and dairy products.

Tyrosine is important for producing neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit messages in your brain.

These neurotransmitters are thought to decline with mentally and physically demanding activities, which can negatively affect concentration and energy levels In many studies, tyrosine supplements have been found to help increase alertness and energy levels. They may also help restore memory and clarity in sleep-deprived people 70 , 71 , Currently, research suggests tyrosine is only beneficial for people who have low stores of neurotransmitters due to stressful or cognitively demanding situations Additionally, supplementing with tyrosine has been proven to be safe