Why Am I So Tired? Part 2: Could Stress Be Draining Your Energy?

Have you ever wondered why you can feel completely exhausted after a day when you haven't done much physical work?

You haven't lifted anything heavy. You haven't run a marathon. Yet your shoulders ache, your concentration is shot, and you feel like you could fall asleep sitting up.

One possible explanation? Your body's stress-response system may be working overtime.

What happens inside your body when you're stressed?

Your body has a built-in stress response that helps you deal with challenges. When your brain senses that something needs your attention—whether it's a real physical danger, a difficult situation, or simply too much going on—it tells your body to get ready to respond.

Adrenaline kicks in and helps you become more alert and ready for action. At the same time, your brain signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol, one of the hormones that helps your body manage energy and respond to stress.

Think of it as your body's “Get ready—we've got something to deal with!” system.

In the short term, that's a good thing. It helps you handle what's in front of you.

The problem is when that system keeps getting switched on over and over again, day after day, without enough time for your body to settle back down and recover.

How can ongoing stress contribute to fatigue?

1. Your body stays on alert.

Even when stress is emotional rather than physical, your body can respond with increased muscle tension, a faster heart rate, and heightened alertness. Over time, that tension and physical discomfort can leave you feeling worn down.

2. Your brain gets tired, too.

Constantly solving problems, making decisions, anticipating what might go wrong, and juggling competing demands can be mentally exhausting. When your mind rarely gets a break, even everyday tasks can start to feel overwhelming.

3. Stress can interfere with sleep.

Ever lie down exhausted, only to have your brain suddenly remember every unfinished task and every problem you haven't solved? (Isn't that fun? 🙄)

Stress can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. And when you don't get restorative sleep, you're more likely to feel tired the next day—which can make handling stress even harder.

4. Your body's normal rhythms can get disrupted.

Cortisol normally follows a daily rhythm that helps your body transition between sleep and wakefulness. Ongoing stress can interact with your normal stress-response system and sleep patterns, making it harder to feel rested and energized. The effects vary from person to person, but stress can be one piece of the fatigue puzzle.

What can you do about it?

Start by paying attention to patterns. Does your energy drop after particularly demanding days? Are you waking frequently during the night? Do you notice persistent muscle tension, headaches, or difficulty concentrating?

Regular physical activity, consistent sleep habits, relaxation techniques, and allowing time for recovery can all help you manage stress. And, obviously, the most important thing, getting regularly adjusted helps with balancing the nervous system and keeping everything running smoothly. Remember, your nervous system controls EVERYTHING! (my patients know that mantra by heart!)

The goal isn't to eliminate every stressor from your life. (Wouldn't THAT be nice!) It's to give your body opportunities to recover between life's demands.

And remember, stress isn't the only possible cause of fatigue. Anemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, medication effects, emotional issues, and other health concerns can also leave you feeling exhausted. If your fatigue is persistent, unexplained, worsening, or interfering with daily life, check in with your healthcare provider rather than assuming stress is the cause.

Your Monday Minute takeaway

Stress isn't just something you feel emotionally. It can affect your nervous system, hormones, muscles, and sleep—all of which can influence how you feel throughout the day.

Sometimes, understanding why you're tired is the first step toward figuring out what your body needs.

Next week, we'll look at another piece of the puzzle: Could what you eat—and how your blood sugar changes throughout the day—be affecting your energy?

— Dr. Lara — trust me, I GET IT! 😬💕

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