Tired All the Time? Common Causes of Fatigue (and How to Get Your Energy Back)

11 Mar

We all feel tired occasionally — but if you wake up exhausted, struggle through the day, or crash by mid-afternoon, it’s time to ask why. Fatigue isn’t just about being busy or not sleeping enough. Often, there’s an underlying imbalancedraining your energy.

At Healixa Health, we take fatigue seriously and help patients uncover the root cause of their exhaustion. Below are some of the most commonly overlooked reasons for persistent tiredness.

1. Adrenal Dysfunction (HPA Axis Dysregulation)

Your adrenal glands help regulate stress hormones, including cortisol. Ongoing stress — emotional, physical, or hidden — can dysregulate this system, leading to adrenal fatigue or what’s now known as HPA axis dysfunction.

Symptoms:

Waking up tired
Afternoon crashes
Feeling wired but tired at night

Supporting Evidence:
The Endocrine Society and studies from the National Library of Medicine link chronic stress to cortisol imbalances, contributing to fatigue and burnout (Ref: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30752419/).

2. Thyroid Imbalances

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of fatigue, especially in women. Low thyroid hormones slow down your metabolism, leaving you feeling sluggish and foggy.

Symptoms:

Weight gain
Feeling cold
Hair thinning
Constipation

Source: British Thyroid Foundation (https://www.btf-thyroid.org/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism)

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Even with a balanced diet, nutrient levels can drop due to stress, poor absorption, or increased demand. Deficiencies in iron, B12, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s are all linked to low energy.

Symptoms:

Muscle weakness
Brain fog
Mood changes
Poor immune function

NICE guidelines highlight iron deficiency as a major cause of fatigue, especially in women (https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anaemia-iron-deficiency/).

4. Blood Sugar Imbalances

Do you rely on caffeine, snacks, or sugar to get through the day? Blood sugar highs and crashes can leave you feeling energised one minute and drained the next. Over time, this rollercoaster contributes to insulin resistance and weight gain.

5. Poor Sleep Quality

It’s not just how long you sleep, but how well. Stress, hormone imbalances, or conditions like sleep apnoea can prevent you from getting deep, restorative sleep — no matter how many hours you spend in bed.

What Can You Do About Persistent Fatigue?

Functional medicine takes a whole-body approach to fatigue by investigating your hormones, nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle. At Healixa Health, we create a personalised plan that may include:
✅ Functional testing (thyroid, adrenal, nutrient levels)
✅ Nutritional support
✅ Stress management strategies
✅ Blood sugar balancing

With the right support, it’s possible to feel like yourself again — energised, clear-headed, and resilient.