Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body.

If you have IDA, you may have trouble sleeping,fatigueweakness, exercise intolerance, or headaches.

This article discusses some of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, including how it might affect your sleep.

woman following a recipe on her tablet in the kitchen

M_a_y_a / Getty Images

Insomnia

Studies have found a strong association between iron deficiency anemia and insomnia.

Iron supplementation appears to help improve insomnia in people who have IDA.

You might experience fatigue even if you are getting enough sleep at night.

Fatigue can make you feel weak and tired.

Managing your insomnia is an important way to keep fatigue in check.

venture to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Avoid sleeping too much because that will add to fatigue.

Naps are fine but limit yourself to one short 20- to 30-minute nap each day.

Healthcare providers recommend testing people with restless legs syndrome for iron deficiency anemia.

Iron supplements can help improve symptoms in people with IDA who also have this condition.

Treatment of that condition is often vital to replacing iron and increasing hemoglobin.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you find you are struggling to cope.

There are different options to help you manage anxiety or depression.

This support can help you manage household tasks or care for loved ones.

Family and friends might be able to help with preparing meals and caring for young children.

But they wont know that you need help or how you feel if you dont speak up.

take a stab at communicate clearly and directly to loved ones.

Let people know how you are feeling, and dont be afraid to ask for help.

These are common symptoms of IDA that are manageable.

This is something that occurs in pregnant people and children who have IDA.

Treat Headache Symptoms

Headache is a common symptom associated with IDA.

Relaxation therapies like biofeedback and eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help you manage headaches.

Keep Your Body Warm

Feeling cold in your hands and feet is common with IDA.

Wearing appropriate footwear and socks can keep your feet warm.

Wearing mittens and gloves can keep your hands warm.

It might also be helpful to avoid caffeine and nicotine because they are vasoconstrictors and can exacerbate cold.

It can also lead to trouble sleeping and increase your risk of anxiety and depression.

you might use strategies to manage the fatigue, including changes to sleep, diet, and activity.

2020;51:101274. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101274

Stanford Medicine Health Care.Treatments for insomnia.

2021;24(15):4851-4858. doi:10.1017/S1368980020004553

Harvard Health Publishing.Fight fatigue with fluids.

2021;96(7):1921-1937. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.026

American Society of Hematology.Anemia and pregnancy.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is anemia of inflammation?

2020;20(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02621-0

American Psychological Association.

Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.

Harvard Health Publishing.Cold fingers, cold toes?

Could be Raynaud’s.

American Heart Association.Tachycardia: fast heart rate.

National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute.Iron deficiency anemia.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron.