Fatigue

Why Am I Always So Tired?

The Functional Medicine Approach to Persistent Fatigue

Have you ever wondered why you're so exhausted—despite sleeping, eating well, and doing "all the right things"? Maybe your doctor said your labs were fine, or chalked it up to stress, aging, or being “just a little run down.”

But what if there’s more to the story?

At O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, we see patients every week who are tired of being tired—and ready for answers. This blog is for you if you’re dealing with fatigue that doesn’t go away, no matter what you try.

It’s Not Just You. Fatigue Is One of the Most Common (and Overlooked) Symptoms We Treat

You might be dealing with:

Feeling exhausted even after 8+ hours of sleep
Needing caffeine just to get through the day
Struggling with brain fog, poor focus, or memory lapses
A heavy, dragging feeling in your body
Energy crashes in the afternoon
Irritability or low motivation
Dizziness when standing
A general sense of being “off”

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Chronic fatigue is real, and it has a cause.

Why Conventional Medicine Often Misses the Mark

In many traditional medical settings, fatigue is treated as a vague complaint. Maybe you're given iron, told to reduce stress, or offered an antidepressant. But if you’ve tried those things and still feel exhausted, you know it’s not the full picture.

Functional medicine looks deeper. Instead of managing fatigue as a standalone symptom, we ask the more important question:

Why is your body so depleted in the first place?

Fatigue Is a Symptom—Not a Diagnosis

There are dozens of possible root causes of chronic fatigue. Some of the most common we see include:

Thyroid issues (even when TSH is “normal”)
Adrenal dysfunction or HPA axis burnout
Gut dysbiosis and poor nutrient absorption
Chronic infections or post-viral fatigue (including long COVID)
Mitochondrial dysfunction—your body’s energy engines aren’t working right
B vitamin, magnesium, or iron deficiency
Hormone imbalances, including perimenopause or low testosterone
Toxin or mold exposure
Chronic inflammation or autoimmune activity
Poor sleep quality or undiagnosed sleep apnea

It’s never just one thing. That’s why we take a whole-body approach.

Don’t Guess About Your Health—Get the Testing Your Body Actually Needs

At our clinic, we believe in real answers, not educated guesses. That’s why we start with a comprehensive diagnostic workup that may include:

Advanced blood work and functional lab testing
In-depth thyroid, hormone, and nutrient analysis
Gut microbiome testing
EKG and lung function tests to assess how well your heart and oxygen systems are working
Assessments for mitochondrial health, toxin load, and nervous system balance

We pair these results with your health story, lifestyle, and goals to create a custom plan tailored to your unique biology.

Your Personalized Plan for More Energy

We know healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your plan may include:

Nutritional therapy and targeted supplements
Adrenal and hormone support
Gentle detox strategies
Nervous system regulation
Acupuncture or Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)
Sleep support and lifestyle coaching

And don’t worry—we go at your pace. This is about rebuilding your energy slowly and sustainably, not pushing your body harder.

What Patients Say

“I had tried everything—vitamins, diets, energy drinks—and nothing worked until I came here. They found real answers in my labs that no one else even looked for.”
— Lauren S., St. Paul

“I was skeptical, but after two months I had energy again. Not just physically, but mentally—I feel like myself for the first time in years.”
— David K., Roseville

“Every visit is calm, unrushed, and validating. I feel like I’m truly being cared for.”
— Nancy M., Highland Park

You Don’t Have to Live Like This

If you’re tired of being told “everything looks fine,” and you still feel exhausted, it’s time for a different approach. Functional medicine is here to help you find what’s been missed—and support your body’s natural ability to heal.