Why you're always tired

TL;DR

Activate the anti-tiredness neurotransmitter by fasting, exercising, and managing carbohydrate intake to increase alertness and energy levels.

Transcript

if you want to stop being tired all the time you need to activate the anti-tiredness neurotransmitter but first let's answer a couple questions like how do we stay awake for nine days straight this is exactly what a tendai monk of japan did in october 2015 kamahori colgan completed an endurance test called doidi for nine days straight he didn't eat... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ Orexin plays a crucial role in promoting alertness and energy levels.
• 🥺 Exercise increases orexin levels, leading to cognitive benefits.
• 😪 Caffeine activates orexin neurons, while medications like suvorexant block orexin to induce sleep.
• 💨 Fasting and low-carb diets can increase orexin signaling and improve alertness.
• 🥺 Carbohydrates can suppress orexin release, leading to fatigue.
• 🛌 Optimal sleep practices, such as a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding blue light before bed, can improve energy levels.
• 😘 Nutrient deficiencies, like low levels of folate, vitamin B12, and iron, can contribute to fatigue.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can orexin-a nasal spray improve cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals?

Research has shown that spraying orexin-a in the noses of sleep-deprived individuals can enhance cognitive function, suggesting that orexin supplementation can counteract the effects of sleep deprivation.

Q: Can modafinil, a drug used by college students to enhance focus, increase orexin levels?

Yes, modafinil activates orexin neurons, which can improve focus and help individuals stay awake. However, it is important to note that modafinil should not be used without medical guidance.

Q: How can fasting increase alertness?

Fasting has been found to increase orexin signaling and alertness in animals and humans. By stimulating orexin release, fasting can boost energy levels and improve focus.

Q: Are carbohydrates responsible for feelings of fatigue after a meal?

Eating carbohydrates can inhibit orexin release, leading to feelings of tiredness. Fasting and low-carb diets have been shown to increase orexin levels and improve alertness.

Key Insights:

• Orexin plays a crucial role in promoting alertness and energy levels.
• Exercise increases orexin levels, leading to cognitive benefits.
• Caffeine activates orexin neurons, while medications like suvorexant block orexin to induce sleep.
• Fasting and low-carb diets can increase orexin signaling and improve alertness.
• Carbohydrates can suppress orexin release, leading to fatigue.
• Optimal sleep practices, such as a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding blue light before bed, can improve energy levels.
• Nutrient deficiencies, like low levels of folate, vitamin B12, and iron, can contribute to fatigue.
• Managing salt intake is crucial for maintaining energy levels during fasting or caffeine consumption.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fasting and food deprivation increase the release of the anti-tiredness neurotransmitter, orexin, leading to increased alertness in animals and humans.

• Exercise increases orexin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of animals and the blood of humans, resulting in improved cognitive function and alertness.

• Caffeine activates orexin neurons, while medications like suvorexant block orexin to induce sleep in insomniacs.