UAE: Feeling tired even after a good night's sleep? Here's why

Khaleej Times

17-07-2025

Altaf Abdullah, a UAE resident in his mid-30s, feels like he isn't living life to the fullest. He often wakes up tired despite getting seven hours of sleep and ends his day feeling completely drained.
'I love cooking, but after work, I'm so exhausted that I don't feel like doing anything,' said Abdullah. 'Even in the mornings, I sometimes wake up feeling just as tired as when I went to bed. The fatigue affects my energy at work too.'
Doctors in the UAE say Abdullah is not alone. Many people report similar symptoms of persistent tiredness, and there are several potential causes: poor sleep quality, screen use before bedtime, emotional stress, undiagnosed sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and even vitamin D deficiency.
Dr Rajit Pillai, neurologist at Aster Clinic, noted, 'We frequently see patients struggling with persistent fatigue, low energy, and non-restorative sleep. They often say they feel tired regardless of how many hours they sleep, have difficulty concentrating, or are irritable during the day.'
As public awareness of sleep health grows, more people are seeking help sooner — including adults noticing changes in focus and energy, and even parents worried about their children's sleep patterns.
Dr Amir Firouzjaei, general practitioner and Chinese medicine practitioner at Wellth, said he often treats patients complaining of chronic fatigue.
'In many cases, patients show no abnormal lab results, yet they feel exhausted all day,' he said. 'After three to five acupuncture sessions, many of them report better sleep, improved energy in the mornings, and reduced reliance on stimulants like coffee.'
According to Dr Amir, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic fatigue and waking up tired are signs of an energetic imbalance, particularly a deficiency of Qi – the body's vital energy.
'Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments and should ideally be done twice a week for at least one month,' he advised.
He pointed to several contributing factors: career stress, emotional strain, irregular eating habits, excessive screen use, and insufficient rest. Young adults aged 25 to 40 are particularly vulnerable due to demanding work lives. Meanwhile, middle-aged individuals may experience fatigue due to natural age-related decline in kidney energy or a hectic family and work schedule.
Dr Nevine Sherif, a specialist in internal medicine at Aster Hospital, said, listed several medical and lifestyle causes of fatigue, even when someone gets enough sleep:
Sleep apnea, which causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, reduces oxygen flow and disrupts deep rest.
Restless legs syndrome, which creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs at night.
Screen time before bed, noisy sleep environments, or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also interfere with restful sleep.
She also pointed out that chronic fatigue can signal underlying health conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism), diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic infections.
'Modern habits can seriously disrupt the body's natural rhythms,' Dr Nevine warned. 'Scrolling through your phone late at night, skipping exercise due to a busy schedule, or relying heavily on caffeine can all impact the quality of sleep.'
Dr Rajit emphasised that many people are unaware they have underlying sleep disorders. Often, it's a partner or family member who first notices symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or frequent nighttime awakenings — all of which could indicate obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
'In the UAE, fatigue is also commonly linked to vitamin D deficiency, dehydration, and high stress levels, all of which can impact the brain's ability to recharge during the night,' he added.
Who's most affected?
Fatigue caused by poor sleep isn't limited to one age group.
'Sleep issues manifest differently at each stage of life,' said Dr Nevine.
'Teenagers and young adults tend to stay up late and sleep in, disrupting their body clocks. Middle-aged adults often deal with work stress, family responsibilities, or undiagnosed conditions like sleep apnea. Many women in perimenopause experience insomnia due to hormonal changes. And in older adults, sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented, with frequent daytime naps further affecting nighttime sleep.'
Dr Rajit added, 'Young adults in their 20s and 30s often experience fatigue due to irregular sleep schedules, screen exposure, and high stress. Middle-aged adults may face more physiological issues, while older adults experience normal shifts in sleep architecture that can be compounded by health conditions or medications.'
Treatments
The good news? These issues are manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical support.
Dr Amir recommended a diet of warm, nourishing foods such as soups, congee, and cooked vegetables, while avoiding raw or cold foods, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Dr Nevine advised residents suffering from chronic fatigue to begin with a proper sleep assessment. 'Good sleep hygiene is critical,' she said. 'Avoid caffeine after 2pm, stick to consistent sleep and wake times, and don't lie awake in bed — get up, do something calming, and return to bed when sleepy.'
She also encouraged people not to ignore prolonged fatigue and to seek help from a psychiatrist or mental health professional if emotional factors are involved.
Regular gentle exercise, mindfulness, and limiting screen time can also support better energy levels and overall well-being.