why energy isn’t just about sleep (and how to get more of it)

indē health
Mar 1
2 min read

have you ever slept a full 8 hours and still felt exhausted? that’s because energy isn’t just about how long you sleep—it’s about how efficiently your body produces and uses energy at a cellular level. if you’re constantly feeling drained, it might not be a lack of sleep—it could be your hormones, nutrient levels, or metabolic function slowing you down.

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why you might be running on empty

while sleep is important, many other factors determine your energy levels throughout the day. here are some of the biggest culprits behind chronic fatigue:

1. hormone imbalances

low testosterone or estrogen can lead to sluggishness, brain fog, and low motivation.
thyroid dysfunction can slow down metabolism, making you feel tired and unmotivated.
elevated cortisol (stress hormone) can cause crashes and poor energy regulation.

2. micronutrient deficiencies

your body depends on key vitamins and minerals to convert food into energy. low levels of b vitamins, magnesium, iron, and vitamin d can leave you feeling drained.
if your cells don’t have the right tools to perform, no amount of sleep will fix it.

3. metabolic inefficiency

your body is designed to burn fuel efficiently, but if your metabolism isn’t optimized, you won’t be making the most of your food intake.
poor mitochondrial function (the energy-producing part of your cells) can lead to sluggishness and poor stamina.

how to naturally increase energy

if you’ve been relying on coffee, energy drinks, or afternoon naps to get through the day, it’s time to take a deeper approach. here’s what actually works:

✔ balance your hormones – if you have symptoms of low energy, brain fog, or sluggish metabolism, hormone optimization can be a game-changer.

✔ get a micronutrient test – don’t guess what you’re missing. testing your vitamin, mineral, and amino acid levels can help you replete what your body truly needs.

✔ improve metabolic performance – by ensuring your mitochondria and metabolism are working at peak function, you’ll naturally feel more energized and resilient.

✔ eat for energy – focusing on whole foods, lean protein, and healthy fats helps fuel your body without crashes.

✔ detox your system – exposure to toxins from food, chemicals, and the environment can clog up energy production. supporting your body's natural detox pathways can help.

want to fix your energy for good?

at indē health, we take a science-backed approach to hormone optimization, micronutrient testing, and metabolic health. instead of guessing why you’re tired, we help you find real answers—and real solutions.