“The Real Reason You’re Always Tired (Hint: It’s Not Just Sleep)”
We all know that bone-deep exhaustion.
You slept (sort of). You had coffee (maybe two). And yet, you still feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.
So, what gives?
It’s easy to blame tiredness on not getting enough sleep — and yes, sleep is a big piece of the puzzle — but for many women, especially over 40, there’s more to the story.
Here’s what might really be draining your energy:
1. You’re Not Eating Enough (or Often Enough)
Low energy? Check your plate.
Many women unintentionally under-eat — especially when trying to lose weight. But food is fuel, and if you’re not eating enough or skipping meals, your body doesn’t have what it needs to keep you running.
➡️ Quick fix: Start by making sure you’re getting enough protein and calories to match your activity level. That midday slump might not be from poor sleep — it could be from poor fuelling.
2. Your Workouts Are All Cardio, No Strength
Yes, moving your body helps energy, but pounding the treadmill daily while skipping strength training can leave you feeling burnt out instead of energised.
Strength training helps regulate hormones, builds lean muscle (which supports metabolism), and can actually improve your sleep quality. Plus, it helps prevent that ‘flat’ feeling where everything just feels... hard.
3. Your Stress Levels Are Through the Roof
When your nervous system is always in “go go go” mode, your body never gets a real break — even if you sleep.
Chronic stress zaps your energy, messes with your hormones, and can leave you feeling wired and tired at the same time.
➡️ Quick fix: Start paying attention to your nervous system. Try deep breathing, stretching, walking, or even just saying “no” more often.
4. You’re Dehydrated (and Don’t Know It)
Mild dehydration can make you feel foggy, cranky, and sluggish. Many women don’t realise how much fluid they’re not getting — especially if they drink a lot of coffee or forget water when they’re busy.
➡️ Try this: Set a reminder to drink water with each meal or aim to carry a bottle with you.
5. Your Hormones Are Changing
Perimenopause and menopause can affect everything from your mood to your sleep to your energy levels. If you’ve been blaming yourself for feeling “off,” it could actually be your body shifting into a new phase — one that needs support, not punishment.
➡️ Reminder: You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You might just need different strategies now than you did at 25.
So What Can You Do?
Lift weights (at least 2–3x a week)
Eat more protein
Fuel your body regularly
Prioritise hydration
Dial back the frantic cardio
Create space to breathe and rest (real rest)
And most of all — listen to your body.
Tiredness isn’t a personal failure. It’s information.
Want more energy? Start with strength training.
You’d be amazed what lifting weights, eating enough, and supporting your hormones can do for your brain fog and afternoon fatigue.
