Tired All the Time?

Here’s What Might Really Be Draining Your Energy

We’ve all been there: you technically got a full night’s sleep, but you still wake up exhausted. Or maybe the afternoon hits, and so does that crash—like you’re dragging yourself to the finish line of the day, running on fumes.

Here’s the thing: fatigue isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal. And if you’re dealing with low energy day after day, it’s not because you’re lazy, or broken, or “just need to eat cleaner.” It’s because something in your body’s system of energy regulation isn’t getting what it needs.

And that’s what we do in functional nutrition: we look at the why behind the symptoms. So today, let’s explore the root causes of fatigue—and how to start restoring your energy in sustainable, realistic ways.

What’s Really Behind Low Energy? (It’s Not Just Sleep)

1. Stress & HPA Axis Dysregulation – Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it rewires your entire hormonal cascade. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is your body’s main stress response system, and when it’s constantly activated, it leads to what many refer to as “adrenal fatigue”—that wired-but-tired feeling where you're running on stress hormones until you crash.

2. Blood Sugar Imbalances – Every energy high is followed by a crash if your blood sugar is swinging up and down all day. Skipping meals, sugar-loaded breakfasts, or relying on caffeine can throw your blood sugar curve out of balance—leaving you tired, cranky, and craving more quick fixes.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies – Your cells need specific nutrients to make energy. If you’re low in B vitamins, iron, magnesium, or even protein, your mitochondria (your cellular energy factories) won’t run efficiently. You may be fueling your body—but not nourishing it deeply enough.

4. Hormonal Shifts – If you’re in perimenopause, dealing with thyroid dysfunction, or navigating imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol—your energy regulation can be totally out of sync. Hormones act like “messengers” throughout the body, and when they’re off, your entire rhythm can be too.

5. Inflammation & Gut Health – Chronic inflammation—often stemming from poor gut health, hidden infections, or food sensitivities—can disrupt energy metabolism at a cellular level. Your immune system can hijack resources that would otherwise go to energy production. I invite you to go read last month's blog post if this is something you think might be challenging you.

What Does It Feel Like When Your Body’s Running Low?

Let’s make it real. If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone:

• That mid-afternoon crash that hits like clockwork

• Feeling groggy no matter how early you went to bed

• Waking up multiple times at night, then struggling to start the day

• Needing caffeine to function, but still feeling tired

• “Wired but tired”—when you’re too restless to relax, yet too drained to be productive

Fatigue doesn’t always shout—it whispers in ways that can sneak into your routine until they feel “normal.” But that doesn’t mean they’re optimal.

"The strongest have their moments of fatigue.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

How to Start Reclaiming Your Energy (Without Another Cup of Coffee)

You don’t need to go on a strict elimination diet or buy hundreds of dollars in supplements. Here are a few realistic, biology-based ways to support your energy:

• Start Your Day with Light & Movement – Get morning sunlight on your eyes and move your body—even if it’s just a 10-minute walk. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm and cortisol rhythm, giving you a natural energy boost.

• Prioritize Protein & Blood Sugar Balance – Aim for meals with protein, fat, and fiber—especially at breakfast. This keeps blood sugar steady and prevents that late-morning crash. Think: eggs with avocado and sautéed veggies, or a smoothie with protein powder, nut butter, and chia seeds.

• Watch Your Timing – Try to eat every 4–5 hours, and avoid skipping meals. Consistent intake (with appropriate spacing) helps prevent energy dips and supports healthy metabolic signaling.

• Consider Targeted Support – If your fatigue is persistent, working with a functional nutrition practitioner to assess your food, movement, environment, mindset, and labs—like iron levels, thyroid function, or B vitamin status—can be a game-changer. Sometimes, gentle supplement support (like magnesium or adaptogenic herbs) can fill in the gaps.

  
  

Myth-Busting the Fatigue Narrative

Let’s clear up a few things you’ve probably heard—maybe even from well-meaning professionals:

• “You just need more sleep.” Yes, sleep matters. But if your sleep is already decent and you’re still exhausted, something else is likely going on. Poor energy is rarely fixed by sleep alone.

• “Fatigue means you’re lazy.” This one stings. Fatigue isn’t a moral failing. It’s a physiological output—a message from your body that something needs attention.

• “If you eat clean, you’ll feel better.” Clean eating isn’t a magic bullet. You can eat whole foods and still feel drained if you’re not eating enough, skipping protein, or ignoring other root causes like hormones or stress.

  
  

Ready to Reset Your Energy for Good?

If you’re feeling like your body just isn’t bouncing back the way it used to—it’s not in your head. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

The Forever Reset is my 4-week functional nutrition program starting May 4th, 2025—and it’s designed specifically to help women get to the root of their fatigue, balance their hormones, and rebuild their metabolism from the inside out.

Want to join us?

👉 Watch your inbox for the latest newsletter (if you're a subscriber), click here to subscribe so you don't miss anything, or click here to register for the program. Early bird pricing until April 30th, 2025 using the code FREB20. Let’s get your energy working for you again—sustainably, gently, and with the support you deserve.