Why Am I So Tired?
This Saturday night, early in the Sunday a.m. hours, daylight savings time ends, meaning we “gain” an hour as we shift the clocks back. One more hour of sleep, if you can make it happen. And many of you may be feeling like you really need it.
But why are you feeling tired? Is it because you’re not getting enough sleep? Are you extra busy and stressed? Is your body fighting a cold or flu? Are you dealing with an injury or illness? Or is it because the colder, darker days of fall, heading toward winter, are making you want to hibernate?
The Seasonal Shift from Yang to Yin
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin and Yang describe the ever-changing balance of energies in nature—and in us. Spring and summer are Yang: outward, active, bright, and warm. Fall and winter are Yin: inward, still, quiet, and cool.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, nature itself slows down. Trees draw their energy inward to their roots, animals hibernate, and plants conserve their strength for the next cycle of growth. Our bodies are part of that same rhythm. Feeling more tired in the darker months isn’t necessarily a problem — it’s an invitation to rest and restore.
Supporting the Organs of the Fall Season
Each season is linked to a pair of organ systems in TCM, and we capitalize the names to define that they are more than the physical organs. Autumn corresponds with the Lungs and Large Intestines, which are associated with the emotions of grief and sadness. Just as the trees drop their leaves to the ground, we too are meant to practice letting go. To support that, we are best to slow down, practice deep breathwork, and allow ourselves to go inward so we can process, rest, and restore.
By doing that, we can support our Lungs—what TCM terms the “delicate organs,” as they are most exposed to the external world, and are an entry point to viruses and bacteria. If you struggle with frequent colds and infections, allergies, an autoimmune disorder, depression, respiratory challenges, or skin issues, fall is the season to step up your self-health care! In addition to breath exercises, keep your neck and upper back warm with a scarf, turtleneck, or turned up collar and get out for some fresh air walks. Additionally, enjoy foods like pears, apples, radish, daikon, cauliflower, mustard greens, millet, oats, sauerkraut, miso, garlic, onions, mushrooms, and nourishing soups, stews, and slow cooked meals.
Is Something Wrong?
On the other hand, maybe it’s not just seasonal slowing down. Are you getting enough restful, restorative sleep? While there’s no prescribed number of hours that every person needs to get, somewhere around 7-8 hours is generally the minimum. Do you wake feeling rested? If you technically got enough hours of sleep but are still exhausted, you may want to ask your doctor for a sleep study to ensure you don’t have sleep apnea or other sleep disorder.
If you have problems sleeping, let’s work on that! It could be hormones, stress, anxiety, pain, acid reflux, restless legs, hyperthyroidism, and medication side effects that are messing with you. It could also be poor sleep hygiene, “wired but tired” overactive mind, and even FOMO (fear of missing out) keeping you up too late.
Both physical and mental health challenges are fatiguing. Being in pain, healing an infection or injury, dealing with a disease or disorder (named or not), depression, anxiety, stress, and overwhelm can all leave us feeling exhausted. While you seek the care you need, make sure to give yourself some grace and allow yourself more time to rest. If you don’t make that time, your body may force you to slow down, like it or not.
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Food Cures
During Yin seasons, TCM treatments can help your body transition smoothly and maintain balance. Acupuncture helps heal injury, relieve pain, restore healing, calm the mind, and support your body’s natural rhythms, improving energy and sleep while reducing stress. Chinese herbal formulas can be tailored to strengthen your body, build resilience, and support your immune system.
For daily support, TCM food cures are simple dietary choices based on energetic principles and personalized to fit your constitution. The right foods can help nourish Yin, support digestion, and keep you grounded through the colder months.
Rest Is Healing
Modern life often pushes us to stay in constant motion, even when our bodies ask for stillness. But honouring the Yin season is essential to long-term wellness. Resting now doesn’t mean losing productivity—it means replenishing your reserves so you can move into spring renewed and strong.
If you’ve been feeling tired, rundown, or “not quite yourself” this fall, book yourself a self-care appointment. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and personalized food therapy can help you restore balance, rebuild your energy, and feel more like yourself again.