If you wake up tired, rely on coffee to get moving, crash in the afternoon, or feel exhausted but still can’t properly switch off at night, you’re not alone. This is a pattern we see every day in clinic — and one that is often brushed off or missed altogether.
In this episode, Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist Greg Newson breaks down why so many people feel constantly tired, wired, and not coping like they used to, even when basic tests come back normal. He explains what the adrenal glands actually do, how ongoing stress changes the way the body functions, and why energy, sleep, mood, blood pressure and your ability to cope with stress can all start to slide over time.
Greg explains the connection between stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and how modern life keeps them switched on far more than the body was ever designed to handle. From afternoon crashes and poor sleep to salt cravings, anxiety, and fluctuating blood pressure — this episode connects the dots in a clear and practical way.
You’ll also learn:
- Why you can feel exhausted but still struggle to sleep
- How stress affects fluid balance, blood pressure and energy
- How caffeine and sugar can worsen an already depleted system
- Why menopause symptoms can feel worse when the system is under strain
- The connection between stress, immunity and getting run down
- How long-term stress can affect recovery and healthy ageing
Most importantly, Greg shares simple, practical strategies to help take pressure off the system — including sleep habits, breathing techniques, nutrition, and targeted nutritional and herbal support.
If you’re running on empty, relying on coffee to get through the day, or just not coping the way you used to, this episode will help you understand why — and what you can start doing about it.
Quick Episode Summary
0:05 – What Adrenal Fatigue Looks Like in Real Life
1:34 – What the Adrenal Glands Actually Do
2:38 – The Sabre-Tooth Tiger vs Modern Stress
4:10 – Why Constant Stress Overloads the System
6:33 – Salt Cravings, Dizziness and Fluid Balance
9:33 – Why Sleep is Critical for Adrenal Recovery
14:17 – Caffeine, Sugar and Borrowed Energy
17:55 – Adrenals and Menopause
21:33 – Stress, Immunity and Getting Run Down
24:19 – Adrenals and Ageing
28:17 – Blood Pressure and Adrenal Regulation
33:25 – Resetting the Stress Response (Breathing)
38:10 – How to Support the Adrenals Properly
40:17 – Key Takeaways and Where to Start
If you’re noticing these patterns in yourself — poor sleep, ongoing fatigue, afternoon crashes, feeling “tired but wired”, salt cravings, or needing stimulants just to function — this episode will help you understand why it may be happening and where to begin.
Explore More: Support for Stress, Energy and Adrenal Health
If this episode resonated with you and you’re looking for additional support, here are some practitioner-formulated options used in our clinic:
Adrenal & Stress Support
- Adrenal Support – Helps support the body’s response to ongoing stress, assisting energy, fluid balance and how well your body handles ongoing stress.
- Cortisol Calm – Helps settle an overactive nervous system and may be helpful when you feel exhausted but unable to properly switch off.
Sleep & Nervous System
- MagExcel – Provides magnesium to support relaxation, sleep quality and energy production.
- Be-Calm – Helps support relaxation and maintain healthy sleep patterns.
Energy & Nutrient Support
- B-Complete – Supports energy production and helps the body cope with stress.
Immune & Stress Depletion
- Liposomal C & D – Helps replenish nutrients commonly depleted during stress and supports immune system function.
- Immune Boost – Helps support immune function during times of stress and fatigue.
Inflammation, Recovery & Healthy Ageing
- Omega Care + – High-quality omega-3 support for inflammation and recovery.
- Inflammatory Support – Helps keep inflammation under control.
- Antioxidant Support – Helps protect cells from damage caused by stress and oxidation.
Hormonal Support (Menopause & Perimenopause)
- Peri-Menopause Support – Helps support the body through hormonal changes during perimenopause.
- Menopausal Support – Helps support common symptoms of menopause including changes in mood, sleep and energy.
More Places To Listen To Time For Health
