Why Do I Feel So Tired? (What your Body is Trying to Tell You)

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why am I so tired lately?” — you’re not alone!

Fatigue is a very common symptoms patients mention during their visits to our office. And while everyone feels worn out now and then, persistent tiredness may be your body’s way of waving a white flag, and you shouldn't ignore it.

Fatigue can stem from something as simple as poor sleep habits or something deeper like a nutritional deficiency, chronic stress, or, even worse, an undiagnosed medical condition.

Regardless of the reason, it's NO FUN to feel tired all the time!

😴 Fatigue Isn’t Just About Sleep (But It’s a Good Place to Start)

Most people think of fatigue as just “not sleeping enough,” but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. While sleep deprivation is certainly a big factor, it’s worth considering how well you sleep, NOT just how long.

According to the CDC, nearly one in three adults in the U.S. reports getting less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. But even people who do sleep 7–8 hours may feel drained if their sleep is fragmented by stress, sleep apnea, pain, or poor sleep hygiene.

Woman struggling with insomnia, lying in bed at night — Sleep is essential, but quality matters as much as quantity

🧬 Common Physical Causes of Fatigue

If your sleep is dialed in and you’re still dragging through the day, it may be time to explore deeper physical causes:

Vitamin D Deficiency – Especially common after long winters indoors.
Low Iron (Anemia) – Can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches.
Thyroid Issues – Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect energy levels.
Dehydration – Even mild dehydration can reduce focus, stamina, and alertness.
Chronic Inflammation – Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis often present first with fatigue.

Doctor and patient reviewing medical test results together — Bloodwork can uncover hidden causes of fatigue, like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid imbalance.

💡 Pro Tip: A simple blood panel can screen for many of these factors. We regularly run these labs for patients who just don’t feel like themselves—and the results are often revealing.

🧠 Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Exhaustion

Mental and emotional fatigue are just as real as physical exhaustion. If you’ve been carrying a heavy mental load—work, family, financial pressure, or emotional stress—your body responds by tapping into energy reserves.

High cortisol levels (the stress hormone) over time can wreak havoc on your energy, immune system, and even sleep. Anxiety and depression often masquerade as fatigue, too, especially in men and teens.

Man experiencing stress and fatigue at work — Mental fatigue is just as real as physical tiredness—and just as important to address.

💡 If you feel tired all the time and overwhelmed, irritable, or disconnected, it’s worth talking to someone—whether that’s your doctor or a therapist. You don’t need to carry it all alone.

What You Eat Matters More Than You Think

Fueling your body with the right foods can make a massive difference in how you feel. Blood sugar crashes, high-processed diets, or skipping meals altogether can all zap your energy.

Try these energy-friendly food habits:

Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated (add a pinch of salt to your water for natural electrolytes).
Limit caffeine late in the day—it disrupts sleep cycles.
Keep sugary snacks in check—they cause quick highs followed by hard crashes.

Healthy nutrient-dense plate with greens, salmon, and whole grains — Balanced meals keep your energy steady throughout the day.

🩺 When to See a Doctor

If your fatigue lasts more than two weeks, it’s a sign that something more significant may be going on beneath the surface. Occasional tiredness is normal, but when it begins to interfere with your ability to work, focus, or enjoy life, it’s worth paying closer attention.

Fatigue that is accompanied by other symptoms—such as unexplained weight changes, hair loss, or noticeable mood shifts like increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness—may indicate a hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, or a deeper health condition.

Additionally, if you’ve already tried getting more sleep, improving your diet, or taking time to rest, and you’re still feeling drained, your body may be trying to signal that it needs professional evaluation and support.

…it’s time to check in with your doctor. Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis—and your body is trying to tell you something.

Doctor and patient discussing symptoms in a clinic — Fatigue is common—but it doesn’t have to be your normal. We’re here to help.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Your energy is one of the most valuable resources you have. If you’re feeling consistently tired, it’s not just in your head—and it’s not something you should ignore. Whether it’s your sleep, your stress, or your nutrition, your body is sending you a message.

Let’s find the cause together and help you feel like yourself again.