Tired but Wired? Let’s Talk Adrenal Fatigue

If you’ve ever felt bone-deep tiredness that no amount of sleep seems to fix, found yourself crashing mid-afternoon, or noticed that your energy spikes late at night when you should be winding down—your adrenals might be calling for help.

In my last post, we explored Holy Basil as a calming adaptogen—a plant that helps your body respond more resiliently to stress. This week, we’re digging deeper into what long-term stress can do to your body, particularly your adrenal function, and how you can begin to restore balance.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue, Really?

"Adrenal fatigue" isn’t an official diagnosis in conventional medicine, but in holistic and functional practice, we use this term to describe what happens when your body’s stress response system—known as the HPA axis (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal)—gets overworked and dysregulated.

Your adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that helps you wake up, handle stress, regulate inflammation, and manage energy throughout the day. When stress becomes chronic, your adrenals may start pumping out too much or too little cortisol at the wrong times—leading to that “tired but wired” feeling so many people describe.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Adrenal Fatigue:

• You wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep

• You rely on coffee, sugar, or salty snacks to keep going

• You crash in the afternoon, but get a second wind at night

• You feel overwhelmed, irritable, or anxious more often than not

• You have trouble falling or staying asleep

• You catch colds easily or feel like your immune system is “off”

  
  

If this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone—and that your body is trying to send a message.

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

It usually doesn’t happen overnight. Adrenal fatigue is the result of long-term stress without enough recovery. This might include:

• Constant multitasking and “pushing through” fatigue

• Emotional stress from grief, trauma, or life transitions

• Poor sleep or irregular blood sugar

• Inflammatory foods or gut imbalances

• Over-exercising or under-eating

• Long-term illness without full recovery

  
  

Think of it as your body saying, "I’ve been holding it together for a long time, and I need a reset."

The Holistic Path to Healing

The good news? Your body can recover. But it needs time, care, and the right kind of support. Here's where we begin:

1. Prioritize Rest and Rhythm

• Set a regular sleep schedule—aim for 8+ hours in a dark room

• Get morning sunlight to support your natural cortisol rhythm

• Take intentional pauses during the day (even 5 minutes helps)

  
  

• Let go of high-intensity workouts in favor of walking, stretching, or gentle yoga

  
  

2. Nourish Your Body with Real Food

• Eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fat, and fiber

• Don’t skip breakfast—stabilize blood sugar early in the day

• Include mineral-rich foods like leafy greens, beets, sea salt, and bone broth

• Stay hydrated—try adding a pinch of sea salt to your water

  
  

3. Support with Adaptogenic Herbs

This is where herbalism shines. Adaptogens help regulate your stress response over time. Depending on your unique constitution and needs, I may recommend herbs like:

• Holy Basil (Tulsi): Calms the mind, soothes the nerves

• Ashwagandha: Supports cortisol balance, especially at night

• Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng): Gently boosts stamina and energy

• Licorice Root: Helps maintain cortisol and blood pressure (not for everyone)

  
  

Every formula I create is personalized, because each body handles stress differently.

You Don’t Have to Push Through

If you’re feeling depleted but unsure where to begin, let’s start with a conversation. I offer free 15-minute Discovery Calls to explore whether herbal medicine and nutrition can support your healing—without pressure or overwhelm.

👉 Book Your Free Call Here

Just a reminder: This post is for educational purposes only. It’s not meant to replace medical advice or treatment. Everyone’s body is different—so please talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new herbs, supplements, or wellness practices.