Why Are So Many of Us So Tired?

The Growing Crisis of Low Energy — and What You Can Do About It

According to a 2021 review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, fatigue is now being recognised as a widespread and underdiagnosed health issue — one that can’t be solved by caffeine or ‘just pushing through’. From post-viral fatigue and blood sugar crashes to nutrient deficiencies and poor sleep, the reasons behind this collective burnout are complex — but increasingly understood.

What’s Behind the Energy Drain?

Nutritional Deficiencies

Even with access to abundant calories, many diets today are deficient in key micronutrients required for energy production. Low levels of B vitamins (e.g. thiamine, niacin), magnesium, iron, and other co-factors are common and underdiagnosed. These nutrients are essential for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP — our cellular energy currency.

• Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, many of which support mitochondrial function and nervous system health.
• Iron is crucial for oxygen delivery and energy metabolism.
• B vitamins like thiamine and niacin play central roles in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain — the body’s core energy-generating pathways.

Research in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that modern diets — particularly those lacking in whole grains, seeds, nuts, and leafy greens — are failing to meet these needs across populations in both the UK and US.

Obesity and Inflammation

Fatigue is also common in those with excess weight, often due to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. A 2021 study in Nutrients linked inflammatory cytokines to higher levels of physical and mental fatigue in individuals with obesity.

Sleep Deprivation

Nearly a third of UK adults are chronically sleep-deprived, according to the NHS. But it’s not just quantity — sleep quality affects how rested and restored we feel. Inadequate deep sleep impairs glucose metabolism, hormone balance, and immune repair, all of which are needed for sustained energy.

Six Ways to Support Your Energy Naturally

1. Stabilise Blood Sugar
   • Eat meals that combine protein, healthy fats, and fibre to flatten glucose spikes and crashes. Think: eggs with avocado, porridge with seeds, lentil-based soups, or whole grain salads with fish or tofu. Avoid snacking between meals.
2. Prioritise Sleep Hygiene
   • Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep in a dark, cool room. Limit caffeine in the afternoon, avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed, and consider magnesium-rich dinners (lots of dark leafy greens!) to support deeper rest.
3. Nourish Nutrient Stores
   • Get enough iron, B vitamins, and magnesium through diet. Include pumpkin seeds, lentils, quinoa, leafy greens, eggs, and legumes. These nutrients are critical for mitochondrial energy production.
4. Move Gently, Daily
   • Exercise doesn’t need to be intense to be beneficial. Brisk walking, yoga, swimming, or dancing helps improve circulation, metabolism, and mood — all of which support energy.
5. Reduce Inflammatory Load
   • Limit ultra-processed foods and include more anti-inflammatory plants: berries, leafy greens, seeds, herbs, and spices like turmeric or ginger.
6. Try SUCSEED Energy
   • This nutrient-rich blend is made from whole seeds and botanicals like pumpkin, flax, sunflower, chia, nettle, maca, and Panax ginseng. It contains natural sources of niacin, thiamine, magnesium, calcium, and iron — nutrients shown to contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, as well as normal energy metabolism. Add a spoonful to yoghurt, porridge, or a smoothie for a gentle, daily energy lift.