The Physical Aspects of Asperger's Syndrome

12.  Low Energy Levels

Due to the many physical problems that can come with Asperger's Syndrome, it makes sense that some Aspies, especially teens and adults, are plagued with low energy on a regular basis. 

Low energy in Aspies can be caused by:

• Lack of sufficient digestible food; meaning enough food is being converted into energy. 
  This can be caused by:
  • Eating food the body can’t break down for use, find the proper diet for your body
  • Lack of enough enzymes to digest food, take supplemental enzymes
  • Not eating enough or often enough
• Not enough variety and nutrients in diet
• High toxin load, see supplements and metal sections of this report
• Lack of good sleep cycles, or lack of sufficient sleep
• Lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals to feed cellular mitochondria
• Lack of sufficient sunlight, it's best to get fifteen minutes of sunshine a day
• Being too sedentary, any exercise can help, even just going on a walk
• Use or overuse of caffeine or stimulants
  • Just think of caffeine as a loan, it borrows energy from later today and from tomorrow.  If you can’t afford to be tired then, stay away.
     

The items listed above can also help in getting a good night’s sleep.  If you find it is hard to wake up in the morning, there are some pretty common causes and solutions that can help.  Can be caused by:

• Poor sleep hours and unnatural circadian rhythm
  • Fix by sleeping at night and waking with the sun
  • Be sure to get enough sleep
• Fast metabolism
  • Some people run of out food in the night, try eating right before bedtime
  • In the evening, try foods that are high in good fat
    • Such as nuts or peanut butter
    • Eat immediately upon waking (this is good for anyone who is too tired upon waking, not just those with fast metabolism)

I know it can feel that you’re more tired than neuro-typicals.  In my experience, you’re absolutely right.  However, there are no quick fixes to solve the problem.  Address the diet, the movement, the rest, the sleep, and the supplements.  Only through actually healing the body will the adrenal glands begin to function properly.  In addition, it’s possible that you will need more rest than those around you.  You may need an extra hour of sleep, and you may not be physically up to doing what those around you can do.  Likewise, you may not be able to go full speed all day like they do.  All I can say is: one, that you’re not alone; two, take the best care of your body that you can; and three, don’t be ashamed to rest when you need to rest.   Taking care of your body is of utmost importance.
 

Disclaimer:  This site and its content are not intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment.  The information provided in this site, and its links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.  The author is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services, or products you obtain as a result of visiting this site.

Return to Physical Aspects of AS Table of Contents