A lot of women are not aware of how much they are drinking. Alcohol consumption makes things tolerable for a short while but in the long-term takes a heavy toll on the body and causes chronic fatigue and premature aging. Living with an alcoholic is also a very draining experience.

Some women are addicted to tranquilizers or sleeping pills without realizing it. Women are prescribed two to three times more tranquilizers than men. These drugs can cause feelings of lethargy, drowsiness and disinterest in life. Moreover, the effects of these drugs can stay in the blood stream long after they are taken and they can also be additive.

Other over the counter medicines used for colds and allergies can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Prescription drugs, such as those taken for high blood pressure, may have drowsiness as a side effect. Some drugs interact with each other, which can increase the side effects even more.

Another potential source of fatigue is the type of work that women do outside the home and the conditions under which they work. Although some women now have high paying jobs, many women are still working at low paying jobs in the service industry, in offices, and in factories.

At work, women may face both sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. Other problem areas include poor lighting, poor posture, lack of ventilation, improperly designed computer work stations, health hazards of computers, boredom, lack of daycare facilities, and exposure to noise, chemicals, and toxins.

One of the worst health habits that women have is not taking enough time for themselves. This means at least an hour every day strictly for yourself. Women often deny themselves even this small amount of time. Nobody can function optimally without this small break in the day. This is not the time to catch up on household chores or prepare an assignment for work but time to day dream, read, take a hot bath or go for a walk.

Some women do not allow themselves adequate time for rest and recreation. On a vacation, a woman can sometimes get stuck serving the other members of her family and returns home feeling anything but rested. As difficult as it may be to arrange, it is very rewarding for a woman to get away from family duties and/or work for short periods of time during the year on a regular basis.

Are You Torn Between Home And Office ?

Role conflict is another energy drainer for women who stay at home as well as those who work. Women are struggling with what it means to have a career in a work world largely controlled by male values, and what it means to be a mother and homemaker or both.

Full-time homemakers face different stresses than working mothers, and some studies show that they are actually under more stress that those who leave the home to work. Some women are completely comfortable with being at home. Increasingly, however, women may feel trapped in the home with no adult company or outside stimulation. They may feel conflict over whether to pursue a career. They may feel a need for more control over their lives and meaningful work outside the home that gives them a sense of mastery and self-fulfilment.

Single mothers struggle with an even greater burden. Sharing accommodations and child care with another single mother and her children is sometimes a workable solution than can decrease the work load of both mothers.

Emotional Conflicts Can Drain You

Emotional sources of fatigue are crucial. Nothing can drain your energy more than unresolved conflicts with your mate, children, boss, co-workers, etc. Conflict over money or sex disrupts many relationships and may sometimes require expert help.

Grieving for the death of a loved one takes a lot longer than most people suppose. A grief stricken person uses up most of her energy mourning the loss and struggles just to get through the day. The first year after a major loss is the most difficult. After that, it will take another couple of years to integrate the loss into your life.

Other losses may also be mourned, although for shorter periods of time depending on the magnitude of the loss. These losses may include divorce or separation, the death of a dream, the loss of youth and child-bearing potential, and the loss of a grown child leaving home.

Staying in a job that you hate or putting up with an abusive partner can cause extreme fatigue.