Understanding Fatigue: Why You Feel Tired

By Dr. Ineza Rodriguez-Diaz

Fatigue is one of the most common concerns I see in practice. Many people come in frustrated because they are trying to take care of themselves, yet still feel tired more often than expected. While occasional tiredness is a normal part of life, ongoing fatigue that affects daily functioning deserves closer attention.

In many cases, low energy is rarely caused by a single issue. More often, several factors are at play. The good news is that many contributors can be identified and improved with the right evaluation.

Common Causes of Fatigue

Some of the most common reasons people feel persistently tired include:

• Poor sleep quality or untreated sleep disorders

• Chronic stress, anxiety, or mood changes

• Lifestyle factors such as low physical activity and alcohol use

• Inadequate nutrition or dehydration

• Underlying medical conditions such as anemia (iron deficiency), thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar imbalance, autoimmune conditions, heart or lung disease, and nutrient deficiencies

When to Look Deeper

It may be worth further evaluation if fatigue:

• Lasts several weeks

• Continues worsening

• Interferes with work or concentration

• Affects day-to-day functioning

  
  

Seek medical care promptly if fatigue is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or night sweats

Supportive Approaches for Better Energy

Regular Movement

Consistent physical activity has strong evidence for improving fatigue. It does not need to be intense exercise. Walking, yoga, resistance training, and other enjoyable forms of movement can all support better energy. I often remind patients that consistency matters more than intensity. Some of my personal favorites are yoga, walking, and hiking outdoors.

Stress Regulation

Stress directly affects sleep, digestion, hormones, and recovery. Effective tools may include mindfulness practices, counseling, breathing exercises, journaling, and spending time in nature.

Sleep Foundations

Improving sleep quality often creates meaningful change in energy. Helpful habits include consistent sleep and wake times, reducing screens before bed, limiting late caffeine, and building a calming nighttime routine.

Nutrition and Supplements

A balanced diet with regular meals, adequate protein, hydration, and stable blood sugar support can improve energy. Supplements may also be helpful in some cases, especially when guided by symptoms and lab findings. Depending on the individual, nutrients such as iron, B12, magnesium, vitamin D, or CoQ10 may be appropriate.

A Naturopathic Perspective

In naturopathic care, I approach fatigue by looking at the full picture. That may include symptoms, health history, stress levels, sleep quality, nutrition, digestion, and lab findings when appropriate. My goal is to understand what may be contributing to low energy and create a plan that feels realistic, supportive, and personalized to the individual.

Persistent fatigue is common, but it is not something you simply have to accept. In many cases, there are clear and treatable contributors. With the right support, energy and overall well-being can improve.

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Bloom Natural Health is thrilled to welcome Dr. Ineza Rodriguez to the practice!

Originally from Puerto Rico, she began her scientific journey with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Biology from Inter American University. She later earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Rodriguez is passionate about making healthcare accessible to diverse communities and committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. 

Book an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez below!

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