Fatigue every afternoon - How can I get more energy?

I too am 75 and had been running out of gas for years in the late afternoon. Enough so that my GP ordered cortisol tests 4 times over 24 hours. The results were surprising! 3 of the 4 were in the normal range, except the late afternoon test. It was almost non existent at 12% of normal.

The diagnosis was Adrenal Fatigue!
Because I had had 10 + years of unmanaged Celiac Disease gut damage, my native ability to generate the normal body’s antihistamine DAO was destroyed and as a result my Adrenal glands were overwhelmed and cortisol production was negatively effected! Initially the treatment was go gluten free immediately and to increase my B12 and/or dermal applications of Cortisone via adhesive patches later in the management approach.
Results: still use all three methods to minimize the inflammation that triggers histamine and my immune symptoms subsequent attempt to stimulate more cortisol production. Not a cure, rather a way to manage an ongoing issue!
Chris47 -

I had a similar problem with melatonin. I find the bi-layer melatonin works better for me when I just can't sleep. There's a fast-acting layer to help me eel sleepy, and a slow-release layer that hels me sleep all night without waking up.

But needing melatonin is an exception. My routine includes other non-chemical things. No single one is a magic bullet but together, they work for me. i hope these ideas help someone.
I try to get some exercise in the late afternoon or early evening, so I'm feeling kind of good-tired by bedtime.
I turn off TV and all electronic screens starting an hour before sleep.
I follow the same before-bed routine, at the same time , every night.
I have a little SAD light I bought for $30 on Amazon, and use it in the short, dark days of winter. I sit by it every morning while I read emails, plan my day, and watch the news. It wakes me up, then I start to feel like slowing down and going to bed on time in the evening.
I just go to bed when I start feeling sleepy. If I stay up just a little longer, and then a little longer, I get a second wind and then I'm wide awake for a few more hours.

I too am 75 and had been running out of gas for years in the late afternoon. Enough so that my GP ordered cortisol tests 4 times over 24 hours. The results were surprising! 3 of the 4 were in the normal range, except the late afternoon test. It was almost non existent at 12% of normal.

The diagnosis was Adrenal Fatigue!
Because I had had 10 + years of unmanaged Celiac Disease gut damage, my native ability to generate the normal body’s antihistamine DAO was destroyed and as a result my Adrenal glands were overwhelmed and cortisol production was negatively effected! Initially the treatment was go gluten free immediately and to increase my B12 and/or dermal applications of Cortisone via adhesive patches later in the management approach.
Results: still use all three methods to minimize the inflammation that triggers histamine and my immune symptoms subsequent attempt to stimulate more cortisol production. Not a cure, rather a way to manage an ongoing issue!
Chris47 -

Thank you Chris47.
Educational. Ubelinda

Ubelinda -
My B12 deficiency was caused by my Celiac Disease damaging my ability to absorb B12 - 30 years ago. With the other cumulative consequences showing up over these years as multiple Autoimmune dysfunctions - thanks to my Irish ancestry.

There is a quick way to we used to identify my B12 deficiency - checked my CRP (C reactive protein) which is a general measure of inflammation. And when the result was high we instituted 1cc B12 injections once a month. Rechecked the CRP and when it went down began a treatment process that has continued today -albeit recently at a 0.5cc self injections every 5th day. There maybe other means of testing B12 today.

And the positive benefits from following this newer plan over the last 3 months has been remarkable. My sense of smell and taste has comeback after 15+ years and what I had thought was moderate Asthma turns out to be related the autoimmune dysfunction called ‘histamine intolerance’.

B12 will not solve my Celiac disease, but it sill clearly improve my ability to manage my other autoimmune dysfunctions.

Chris47 -

PS - If you have ever had any prolonged gut issues and/or are of Irish ancestry testing for the CD gene using the new HLA blood test series can indicate if your fatigue is CD related and if so indicated, B12 injects versus oral ingestion is the best path forward!