Why Am I So Tired All the Time? Hidden Causes No One Talks About

Let’s Talk About the Kind of Tired You Can’t Sleep Away

If you’re waking up tired, dragging yourself through the day on caffeine, or collapsing by 3pm, you’re not alone. I see it every week in clinic. Many people tell me, “I’m exhausted, but my blood tests are fine… so why do I still feel this way?”

Here’s the truth: fatigue isn’t always fixed by “sleep more” or “stress less”. It’s often your body whispering that something deeper is out of balance such as hormones, nutrients, gut health, blood sugar, or your nervous system.

Let’s explore the most common (but often overlooked) reasons why you might be feeling this way.

1. Your Stress Response Is Stuck on ‘Survival Mode’

When life feels like an endless to-do list, your body starts living in fight-or-flight mode. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline rise to keep you going, until they don’t. Over time, this constant demand leads to burnout, poor sleep, brain fog, cravings and that familiar “wired but tired” feeling at night.

You might notice:

• Afternoon energy crashes

• A racing mind when you finally lie down

• Craving sugar, salt or caffeine to cope

• Feeling tired but unable to fully relax

This is often referred to as adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction and it’s more common than you think.

2. Your Blood Sugar Is Riding a Rollercoaster

Skipping meals, living on toast and coffee, or relying on quick snacks can push your blood sugar up and down all day. Every dip in blood sugar forces your body to release stress hormones to keep you going and that’s exhausting.

Signs this might be you:

• Shaky, irritable or “hangry” between meals

• Needing sugar or carbs to feel better

• Feeling sleepy after eating

Balanced meals with protein, good fats and slow (or complex) carbs can make a world of difference.

3. Low Nutrient Stores (Even If You Eat Well)

You can be eating “healthy” and still be low in key nutrients. Stress burns through vitamins and mineral faster and gut issues can reduce absorption.

Common deficiencies linked with fatigue include:

• Iron (even low-normal levels can cause fatigue)

• B12 and folate

• Magnesium

• Vitamin D

• Thyroid nutrients like iodine and selenium

This is where functional testing can be incredibly helpful, looking deeper than a standard blood test.

4. Your Gut Might Be Compromising Your Energy

Your gut is where you absorb nutrients and produce feel-good chemicals like serotonin. When things aren’t right, bloating, constipation, food intolerances, reflux, your energy often pays the price.

Gut issues that can contribute to fatigue:

• Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria)

• Leaky gut

• Low stomach acid or enzymes

• Chronic inflammation from unknown food triggers

Healing the gut can dramatically improve energy, skin, mood and immunity.

5. Hormonal Changes — Especially for Women 35+

If your fatigue comes with brain fog, mood swings, weight gain, or waking around 3am, your hormones could be involved.

This can happen during:

• Perimenopause or menopause

• PMS or heavy periods

• PCOS or post-hormonal contraceptive changes

• Thyroid imbalances

As estrogen and progesterone shift, your sleep, mood, temperature and metabolism can too. The good news? There are beautiful, natural ways to support this transition.

So… What Can You Do?

You don’t have to push through or accept exhaustion as your “new normal”. Small, consistent changes can completely transform your energy. Here are some gentle starting points:

• Eat breakfast with protein (not just toast or coffee).

• Prioritise a 10pm bedtime (at the absolute latest!!) to support hormone repair.

• Swap caffeine after midday for herbal teas or mineral-rich drinks.

• Reduce scrolling at night, the blue light confuses your sleep hormones.

• Add magnesium-rich foods or supplements (with guidance).

• Seek support!! You don’t need to figure this out alone.

This Is Where I Come In

When I work with someone who is constantly tired, I don’t just look at their iron levels. I look at the whole picture. We will explore your hormones, gut health, stress load, sleep patterns, diet, emotions and metabolism. Together, we uncover what your body is trying to tell you and create a plan unique to you.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

If this blog resonated with you, it’s probably because you’re tired of being tired.

I’d love to help you get your energy back, gently, naturally, and with a plan that actually makes sense for your life.

I’d love to chat!!! Book a discovery call with me today here.