Feeling Tired? Some Surprising Things May Be Sapping Your Energy

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Not enough sleep and working too much are both obvious reasons for feeling tired.

There are also some less obvious ones.

As CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, there are surprising reasons for why you're feeling so tired.

First, there's water. Most people don't drink as much as they should.

Dieticians said you will notice a difference if you drink more water.

"If somebody does not have enough fluid it's actually very taxing for the body," registered dietician, Leslie Bonci said.

A study from Princeton University also found that a cluttered desk can be a sign of an overactive mind. That could keep you from getting a good night's sleep.

"A messy desk usually can symbolize you have unfinished work to do," Dr. Daniel Shade, AHN Sleep Center said.

Alcohol right before bed can help you fall asleep, but a few hours later as your body begins to metabolize the alcohol you either wake up or fail to sleep as soundly as you normally would.

Poor posture can put stress on your back and joints making you feel tired.

A few studies have found that standing tall could have a positive effect.

"Regulate hormones in your body which affect well being. it may make you be able to sleep better," Dr. Shade said.

While you may think you're getting a boost from a sugary breakfast, that might come with a post-sugar crash. Protein will help you get through the day.

Fatty foods can make you feel tired because they take longer to digest.

"All the blood is diverted to your gut to help you digest, and at that point you're just ready to have a nap," Bonci said.

Finally, don't check your cell phone or laptop before bed, even for a little bit.

"The light that's emitted by phones - iPads and televisions - is a short wavelength called blue light, and what it does is it inhibits melatonin," Dr. Shade said.

Melatonin helps us fall asleep.

Apple unveiled a new 'night mode' for devices earlier this year to cut down on blue light.

Two other things that give and take energy include exercise right before bed which can disturb your sleep, and energy drinks which provide a buzz, followed by a crash.

Sometimes it's a health issue making you feel tired, and of course for that you need to see your doctor.