Tired All the Time? Here’s What Could Be Causing Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue isn't normal. If you're constantly running on empty, it's time to look deeper.

Feeling tired all the time can be frustrating—and confusing. You get “enough” sleep. You try to eat well. But the energy never quite comes back. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

At Bethel Naturopathic Medical, fatigue is one of the most common concerns our patients bring to us. Often, they’ve already been told their labs are normal or they just need to reduce stress. But when fatigue persists, it’s a sign your body is asking for help.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why you might be exhausted—and what we do differently.

What Is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue means more than feeling tired after a late night. It’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that affects your daily life. You might:

• Wake up tired, no matter how long you slept

• Rely on caffeine to get through the day

• Feel mentally foggy, unmotivated, or emotionally flat

• Struggle with body aches, irritability, or poor memory

If this lasts for more than a few weeks—and especially if it affects your work, relationships, or wellbeing—it’s time to investigate further.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue?

1. Thyroid Imbalance

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is a common—but often missed—cause of fatigue. Standard lab panels may not catch early or subtle dysfunction, which is why we look at the full picture, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.

2. Adrenal Fatigue or HPA-Axis Dysfunction

When your body faces chronic stress, your adrenal glands and nervous system can become depleted. Cortisol—the hormone that helps you wake up and manage stress—may be imbalanced, leading to exhaustion, insomnia, or an increase in energy at night.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Even with a healthy diet, you may be low in energy-critical nutrients like:

• Iron or ferritin

• Vitamin B12

• Magnesium

• CoQ10

• Vitamin D

We order comprehensive bloodwork to assess these levels—often covered by insurance.

4. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Your mitochondria are the energy factories in your cells. When they’re damaged—by toxins, infections, or oxidative stress—your energy levels can crash. This is especially common in post-viral fatigue or chronic illness.

5. Poor Gut Health

Your digestive system affects how well you absorb nutrients and regulate inflammation. Conditions like dysbiosis, leaky gut, or SIBO can silently drain your energy—even if you’re not experiencing obvious GI symptoms.

6. Sleep Disorders

Sleep apnea, insomnia, or disrupted sleep cycles can cause serious fatigue even if you think you’re getting enough rest. Issues with melatonin can also contribute to disrupted sleep and poor sleep quality. If you find yourself waking up often, if could be due to inadequate melatonin levels.

7. Mood Imbalances

Fatigue and depression often overlap. Sometimes, unresolved grief, chronic stress, or neurotransmitter imbalances (like low serotonin or dopamine) are at the root of low energy. Trauma and difficult emotional experiences can be exhausting.

How Naturopathic Doctors Address Fatigue

At Bethel Naturopathic Medical, we take a whole-person approach to fatigue. That means we don’t just ask what is going on—we ask why. Your first visit includes a full discussion of your history, lifestyle, sleep, stress, and diet.

We may recommend:

• Advanced lab tests for more in-depth investigation

• ZYTO scan to assess stress patterns and imbalanced body systems

• Neurotransmitter testing to evaluate mood-chemistry balance

• GI-MAP or Genova testing to assess the gut microbiome

• Mold and mycotoxin testing if your environment may be playing a role

  
  

We then create a personalized plan using natural treatments, nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle support to restore your energy from the inside out.

Want to Understand the Hidden Causes of Your Fatigue?

👉 Click here to download our free patient guide: 5 Tools to Understand Your Chronic Symptoms.

Learn about the tests and diagnostic tools we use every day to help patients get real answers.

FAQs About Fatigue

❓ What is the # 1 cause of fatigue?

There’s no single cause, but stress, poor sleep, and undiagnosed thyroid or nutrient imbalances are among the most common.

❓ How do I fix constant tiredness?

Start with a full assessment—don’t just push through it. Fatigue is often a sign that something deeper needs attention.

❓ Can a naturopath help with fatigue?

Yes. Naturopathic doctors specialize in identifying underlying imbalances and supporting the body’s natural healing processes using personalized, non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Let’s Find Out What Your Fatigue Is Telling You

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, we’re here to help. Contact us to set up an appointment or to see how we can best help you.

📍 Bethel, CT

📞 (203) 748-4447

📧 bethelNDmedical@gmail.com