Is It Normal to Be Tired at 40?

Let’s be real—if you’re over 40 and feeling tired, you’re not alone. That creeping exhaustion that wasn't there in your 20s? It’s frustrating. One minute you're full of energy, conquering the world (or at least your inbox), and the next, you're fantasizing about a nap at 2 PM. What gives? Is this just part of getting older, or is something else at play?

The Short Answer: Yes… But It’s Complicated

Being more tired at 40 than you were at, say, 25, is completely normal. Your body isn't running on the same settings it once did. Metabolism slows down, sleep patterns shift, hormones start playing tricks on you—basically, your system isn't as effortlessly resilient as it used to be. But here’s the thing: feeling tired all the time? That’s not normal.

There’s a difference between needing a bit more rest than before and dragging yourself through the day like a zombie. If you’re constantly wiped out, it’s worth investigating why.

Why You’re More Tired Now (And What You Can Do About It)

1. Sleep Isn’t What It Used to Be

Remember when you could pull an all-nighter, survive on three hours of sleep, and still function? Those days are gone. As you age, deep sleep decreases, and quality matters more than quantity. You might be clocking in the same seven or eight hours, but if you’re waking up groggy, it’s likely because your sleep cycles are getting interrupted.

Fix it:

• Stick to a sleep schedule (yes, even on weekends).
• Cut the caffeine after noon (painful, I know).
• Dim the screens before bed—blue light messes with your melatonin.

2. Hormones: The Silent Saboteurs

Men and women both go through hormonal shifts in their 40s. Women may start perimenopause (which can begin years before menopause officially kicks in), leading to night sweats, disrupted sleep, and fatigue. Men, on the other hand, experience a gradual testosterone decline, which can zap energy levels.

Fix it:

• Get your hormone levels checked if you're suspicious.
• Strength training and proper nutrition can help regulate hormonal balance.
• If sleep and diet aren’t enough, talk to a doctor about possible treatments.

3. Your Body Is Processing Food Differently

Your metabolism has slowed down—sorry, but it’s true. The foods you used to eat without consequence might now make you feel sluggish (hello, carb coma). Blood sugar fluctuations are more noticeable, and dehydration sneaks up faster.

Fix it:

• More protein, fewer processed carbs.
• Hydrate—water intake affects energy more than most people realize.
• Don’t skip meals (or overload on sugar to compensate for an energy dip).

4. Stress Is a Sneaky Culprit

At 40, life is a juggling act. Career, kids, aging parents, financial responsibilities—your brain is on overdrive. Stress drains energy, messes with sleep, and increases cortisol levels, leading to chronic fatigue.

Fix it:

• Move your body (exercise really does help, even if you’re tired).
• Try mindfulness, meditation, or just stepping outside for fresh air.
• Prioritize your own downtime (easier said than done, but crucial).

5. You’re Not Moving Enough

It’s counterintuitive, but being tired often comes from… not moving enough. If you’re sitting all day, your blood circulation slows, oxygen flow decreases, and boom—fatigue.

Fix it:

• Get up and stretch every hour.
• Go for a short walk after lunch.
• Strength training boosts energy over time (plus, it fights age-related muscle loss).

When Should You Be Concerned?

If exhaustion is constant, even after improving sleep, diet, and stress levels, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. Things like:

• Thyroid issues (common after 40, especially for women).
• Iron deficiency or anemia (feeling weak, pale, or dizzy?).
• Sleep apnea (if your partner says you snore like a chainsaw, get checked).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome or other medical concerns.

If you suspect something’s off, don’t ignore it. A blood test can reveal a lot about what’s happening behind the scenes.

So, Is It Normal?

Yes… within reason. Feeling a little more tired as you age is expected, but feeling perpetually exhausted isn’t something you have to accept. Small changes in sleep, diet, movement, and stress management can make a world of difference.

And let’s be honest—part of it is also about embracing the reality that you’re not 25 anymore. But hey, there’s something great about that too. You’re older, wiser, and hopefully prioritizing the things that actually matter. Just… maybe with an earlier bedtime.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.