Here are some of the most common causes of fatigue, and what you can do about them. Inadequate Sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep you’ll be tired but it’s rare that busy people get enough sleep. When there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything, something has to give, and that’s usually sleep. Don’t fool yourself that you can get by on five or six hours of sleep a night. Most people need at least eight hours and some even more. Hormone Imbalances. Thyroid disease is extremely common today, especially among young women and the elderly. As common as thyroid disease is, its symptoms are so similar to so many other ailments that it often goes unnoticed by both doctors and patients. If you’re suffering from fatigue, get your thyroid hormone levels checked. Food Allergies. You may be allergic to common foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, wheat, corn, chocolate, or coffee. If you suffer from coughing or wheezing, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches or joint pain, itching and skin problems, in addition to fatigue, try cutting out each of these foods for a week to see if you feel better without it. Also, don’t eat excessive amounts of any particular food during any one day. Environmental Toxins. Fatigue may result from our polluted environment. If, in addition to fatigue, you suffer from headaches, allergies or respiratory problems, you may be absorbing airborne toxins. Check the ventilation system in your home and office. Buy houseplants, air filters, and water filters for your home. If you’re working in a “sick” building you may have to look for another job. Couch Potato Syndrome. Fifty percent of depression and fatigue can be caused by inactivity. For an energy boost, do anything that gets you moving for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Anemia. Anemia can be a hidden disease in women. If you’re tired for no known reason, have your total iron count taken. Sometimes, even though your blood count may show a normal level of red blood cells, you may still be deficient in iron. If your iron count is low, you may need supplements. Cigarette Smoking. Cigarettes are an enormous energy drain. They rob the body’s cells of oxygen and produce carbon monoxide poisoning. Too Much Coffee. If you drink a lot of coffee in the effort to beat fatigue, in the long run you’ll be even more tired. Coffee gives you a temporary lift at the cost of long-term energy. Poor Nutrition. The typical American diet, high in refined foods and animal fat, supplies inadequate nutrients and drains energy. Switch to a diet low in animal protein and saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Cut out highly processed foods. Take vitamins. 62. What does the underlined word “fatigue” mean? A. tiredness        B. weakness         C. sickness          D. laziness 63. Couch potato syndrome has something to do with ______. A. potato          B. couch            C. energy           D. inactivity 64. According to the passage, you can infer that ______. A. you can always do with five or six hours of sleep a night. B. fifty percent of depression and fatigue can be caused by inactivity. C. it’s easier for women to catch thyroid disease or anemia. D. the more coffee you drink, the less tired you are. 65. Which of the following is NOT one of the causes of fatigue according to the passage? A. Polluted environment.          B. Cigarette smoking.           C. Low iron count. D. A diet low in animal protein and saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans.