“I’m Tired All the Time”: What Chronic Fatigue Really Means and What to Do About It
Do you wake up tired, struggle through the day, then lie awake at night wired but exhausted?
If you’ve been running on empty and told it’s “just stress” or “part of getting older,” you're not alone but that doesn’t mean it’s normal or something you should just live with.
Feeling constantly tired is your body’s way of asking for help, not a character flaw or a lack of motivation. The good news is, there’s always a reason for it and finding that reason is where real change begins.
Tired vs. Burnt Out: What’s the Difference?
Everyone gets tired. But ongoing, unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest is something else entirely.
Chronic fatigue is when exhaustion becomes your baseline. It’s not about being a bit tired after a big week, it’s a persistent, physical heaviness that doesn’t go away, even after a full night's sleep.
Common signs include:
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
Energy crashes in the afternoon
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Feeling flat, unmotivated or emotionally disconnected
Needing coffee or sugar to get through the day
Poor sleep despite feeling tired all the time
Sound familiar? You're not lazy. You're not overreacting. And there is more to explore.
Why Am I Always Tired? Common Root Causes I See in My Clinic
In Yeppoon and across Central Queensland, many of my clients are juggling a lot — FIFO schedules, parenting, farm work, stress, poor sleep, nutrient gaps, and more. Their bodies are quietly waving red flags long before they collapse.
Here are some of the real, underlying reasons I often uncover with clients:
Nutrient Deficiencies
Low iron, B12, magnesium or zinc are common but easily missed in basic testing. These nutrients are vital for energy production.
Poor Sleep Quality
You might be sleeping, but is it restful? Light sleep, frequent waking, or poor circadian rhythm can leave you exhausted.
Stress & Nervous System Fatigue
Long-term stress keeps your body in a constant state of alert, which slowly wears down your nervous system and leaves you wired but tired.
Blood Sugar Instability
Energy highs and lows throughout the day may point to a blood sugar imbalance. This is common in people skipping meals or relying on processed foods.
Hormonal Imbalances
Women in particular often deal with fatigue linked to thyroid issues, perimenopause, low progesterone or postnatal depletion.
Chronic Inflammation
Underlying gut issues, immune dysfunction or unresolved infections can create ongoing fatigue that doesn’t always show up on regular tests.
You don't need to tick every box. But identifying even one of these root causes is often the breakthrough point.
What Makes Naturopathic Support Different
You may have been told that your blood tests are “fine” and that you just need to eat better or stress less. But feeling dismissed doesn’t help — and it doesn’t bring your energy back either.
My approach as a naturopath is built on:
Deep listening to understand your full health story
Root cause investigation, not just symptom management
Simple, personalised strategies you can actually follow
Nutrition and herbal medicine that work gently with your body
Emotional support that’s grounded, not fluffy
You won’t find quick fixes or complicated plans here. Just honest, achievable steps that help you feel better without burning out further.
What You Can Do Right Now if You’re Always Tired
Here are a few gentle starting points that make a real difference, even if you're completely depleted:
Start your day with protein, not just toast or coffee
Cut back on caffeine after 1pm to protect your sleep cycle
Get outside in the morning light for at least 10 minutes
Stay hydrated with filtered water throughout the day
Track your energy levels and notice what times of day you crash
None of these are a cure on their own, but they help reset your body’s natural rhythm and give us clues for the bigger picture.
Client Experiences: What Real Recovery Feels Like
“I felt like I finally had permission to slow down and rebuild without guilt.”
“Within weeks I had more energy and mental clarity. I didn’t realise how bad things had gotten until they started getting better.”
“The support was realistic and respectful. No overwhelm. Just small, effective changes that added up.”
Read more feedback here
Common Questions About Fatigue and Naturopathy
Can naturopathy help even if I’ve had fatigue for years?
Yes. Many of my clients have been tired for months or even years. It is never too late to start unravelling the causes.
Do you use lots of testing?
Only when necessary. I focus first on listening and case-taking, not expensive diagnostics. Often, the answers are already in your story.
Will I need to follow a strict diet?
No. We start with where you are and build a plan that fits your lifestyle. No extreme diets, no guilt-tripping.
Can you work with me if I’ve already seen a GP or specialist?
Absolutely. My approach can complement existing medical care and help fill in the gaps.
Find more answers on the FAQ page
You Don’t Have to Live Tired
Chronic fatigue is not your fault. And it’s not permanent. The first step is knowing that there’s always a reason your body feels the way it does — and that you’re not alone in figuring it out.
If you're in Yeppoon, Rockhampton or the surrounding Central Queensland region and you're ready to feel like yourself again, I’m here to help.
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“Fatigue is not a disease. It is a symptom — a signal from your body that something needs attention.”
– Dr. Aviva Romm, MD, Integrative Medicine Physician