Couch Potato Fatigue: Science Explains Why You’re So Tired
Have you ever wondered why a day sitting at your desk can exhaust you? You’ve barely moved a muscle, but you’re tired and hungry. The good news is it’s expected. The better news is that science can explain why it happens.
Brains Are Hungry!
It turns out that our brains are particularly energy-hungry organs (some hungrier than others, perhaps!). They use up a lot of our available energy every day.
A Sleeping Brain Isn’t a Resting Brain
Studies show that even in deep sleep, the brain burns at least 240 calories per day.
Brains Complete a Daily Workout
Yes, you read that right. Think about how long you’d have to exercise to burn the same amount of calories your brain consumes while sleeping!
Computer in Control of EVERYTHING!
So why is the brain so demanding of energy? The answer is quite simple – it’s the computer that controls EVERYTHING in your body.
Such As?
The brain is involved in every single one of your processes: your heartbeat, your breathing, your movement, and your digestion.
Energy Has to Come From Somewhere
Any action involving the central nervous system requires activity in your brain. This activity has to be fueled by your stored energy, hence the enormous demand.
Brains Drain Energy Reserves
The scientists estimate that the total daily consumption of your brain is 400-500 calories. This figure can be as much as 20% of some people’s total energy expenditure.
Exercise Even Trains the Brain!
The brain is likely to burn even more energy when you’re exercising for all the reasons we’ve already covered.
Cerebral Aerobics
Thought processes are required to lift weights and perform complex movement patterns, so you have a calorie burn double-whammy if you exercise!
Concentrate Your Way to Calorie Burn?
Activities that require concentrated thought place enormous energy demands on the brain. Tasks such as driving, studying, and even gaming will significantly increase your brain activity.
Puzzling Results
Studies have shown that when people are engaged in complex mental tasks such as puzzles, their calorie consumption rises.
But Don’t Give Up Workouts Just Yet!
The extra calorie burn isn’t so significant that you could switch CrossFit for crosswords, so keep your gym membership alive if you want to lose weight!
Advice for Parents
There’s also a potential tip for parents of children studying for tests here. If they’re studying hard and sleeping more than usual, it’s not a sign of laziness! If your teenager is sleeping longer than normal, don’t drag them out of bed if they’ve been studying – they’ve got an excuse!
Bigger Brains, More Energy Demands
If you’re particularly smart, your brain’s energy requirements are higher than average, which makes sense – you need a lot of fuel to power a rocket!
Dealing With Tiredness After Work
So let’s say you have a desk job, which means you’re stationary, and after work, you’re too exhausted to do anything. Does that mean you must accept your fate and subject yourself to an unhealthy existence?
Sorry, But No!
The clear answer is no. Researchers from Harvard University say that exercising can relieve tiredness, boosting wakefulness and alertness.
Exercise Wakes You Up
Exercise boosts circulation, improving oxygen delivery throughout the body. This oxygen helps the mitochondria in your cells produce more energy.
Tactical Use of This Information!
So, next time you’ve had a long day behind the wheel or at your desk, you’ve got an excellent excuse for lying down and recovering your energy, and your partner is powerless to argue!
But Don’t Let the Rest Slip
Don’t let them know that movement will give you more energy. Otherwise, you’ll be off that sofa faster than you can say Sudoku!
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gladskikh Tatiana.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
