Tired But Wired? Here’s What Your Body’s Telling You.
Ever feel completely drained yet unable to relax? That wired feeling—even when you’re beyond tired—isn’t just in your head. It’s often a sign that your body’s stress response system is out of sync. In the functional space, we often trace this pattern back to a communication breakdown in something called the HPA axis.
What Is the HPA Axis?
The HPA axis stands for the Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Adrenal axis. This powerful system governs how your body recognizes and responds to stress.
When your brain senses a stressor—whether it’s physical (like illness or over-exercise), emotional (like anxiety or conflict), or environmental (like blue light or poor sleep)—it tells your adrenal glands to release cortisol, your primary stress hormone.
Cortisol helps mobilize energy, alertness, and focus. It also turns off the brain's initial stress signal once the danger has passed.
Acute Stress vs. Chronic Stress
A little cortisol can be a good thing. It helps you wake up, stay sharp, and respond to challenges.
But when stress becomes chronic—meaning your body stays stuck in a stress response—the system may start to malfunction.
Over time, your cells can become resistant to cortisol, and the feedback loop between your brain and adrenals begins to break down. This is often referred to as HPA axis dysfunction (formally known as, "adrenal fatigue").
Signs of HPA Axis Dysfunction
If your HPA axis is imbalanced, your body might struggle to regulate cortisol appropriately. Common symptoms include:
Persistent fatigue (even after a full night’s sleep)
Cravings for sugar or salt
Feeling irritable or snapping easily
Relying on caffeine to get through the day
Getting sick more often than usual
Digestive symptoms like bloating or irregular bowel movements
This pattern is sometimes described as feeling "tired but wired"—worn out yet unable to calm down.
What You Can Do to Support the HPA Axis
Balancing your HPA axis is possible, and it starts with intentional lifestyle shifts. Here are a few evidence-informed strategies from a functional nutrition perspective:
Prioritize Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Create a wind-down routine that honors your natural circadian rhythm.Nourish with Real Food
Choose whole, nutrient-dense meals that include healthy fats, clean protein, and colorful vegetables to fuel your body and brain.Manage Stress with Intention
Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, or grounding time in nature to regulate your nervous system.Support Blood Sugar Balance
Eat balanced meals every 3–4 hours to avoid blood sugar dips that further stress the HPA axis.Work with a Practitioner
Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola may be supportive—but they work best when personalized to your unique stress response and health status.
Your Body Is Asking for Support
If you find yourself stuck in a pattern of fatigue, restlessness, cravings, and stress, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not broken.
Your body is incredibly intelligent—and it’s sending you signals. With the right support, you can reset your stress response, nourish your adrenals, and get back to feeling calm, clear, and energized.
Ready for deeper support?
Small changes lead to big shifts. Book your Complimentary Consult and let’s uncover the next step for your health.