10 Signs Your Nervous System Is Burnt Out
And what your body might be trying to tell you.
You're exhausted all day and you've been thinking about getting into bed since approximately 2pm. But when bedtime does arrive... your brain has other ideas.
Something that's been bothering you for a while: "Why can't I cope like I used to?"
I hear this so often from women in their 40s and 50s.
But you haven't suddenly become bad at coping, you've simply been coping with too much, for too long, without enough recovery.
Nervous system burnout isn't a medical diagnosis, despite what Instagram might have you believe! However, prolonged stress, poor sleep and inadequate recovery can leave us feeling completely depleted. Add perimenopause into the mix and suddenly the body you thought you knew can feel like it's changed the rules.
How many of these sound familiar?
1. You're exhausted… but can't switch off
You're shattered, but the moment you hit the pillow you're wide awake, you know that frustrating wired but tired feeling very well.
Poor sleep and stress can quickly become a cycle, leaving you exhausted the following day and struggling to switch off again.
2. Tiny things suddenly feel like VERY BIG things
An email arrives or someone asks another question AND the washing machine starts beeping. And you think: "PLEASE. Nobody ask me for anything else.
3. Your sleep has changed
Either; you're waking at 3am or you can't fall asleep, or you've 'slept' for eight hours but you still feel like you've not slept at all.
Stress can play a part, but so can hormonal changes, night sweats, caffeine, alcohol and other health factors. Start looking at the bigger picture.
4. Your digestion has gone haywire.
Foods you've eaten for years suddenly leave you bloated.
Your digestion seems fine one week and unpredictable the next.
Your gut and brain are constantly communicating, and stress can influence digestion too. Again, it's worth looking at what's happening around the food, not just what's on your plate. I've got a blog on the gut-brain analysis - read more here
5. Coffee has become a survival strategy
2 coffees by noon, and another at 3pm because otherwise there's absolutely NO chance you're making it through the afternoon.
Don't get me wrong, I love coffee but, if it's become something you NEED rather than enjoy, it's worth asking why you're so exhausted.
6. The biscuit cupboard starts calling at 4pm
Breakfast was coffee, lunch happened between emails. And now you could happily demolish the snack cupboard.
Before blaming your willpower, check on if you've eaten enough today? Regular, balanced meals can help provide more consistent energy throughout the day.
7. Your patience has left the building
Things you'd normally shrug off suddenly really get to you, you're more irritable and emotional. the kids seem 100 x louder than they used to (not sure it's possible in our house...)
8. Your brain has stopped cooperating
That well know brain fog.
You walk into room. Immediately forget why, walk out, remember, walk back in, forget again!!! Brain fog can have several causes, including perimenopause, stress and poor sleep.
9. You've forgotten how to do nothing
Finally, an hour to yourself! Naturally you put the washing on, check your emails, empty the dishwasher and start planning tomorrow.
Rest doesn't have to mean meditating for an hour. Walk, read, garden, sit outside with a cup of tea.
Find something that helps YOU switch off. Without feeling guilty about it.
10. You just don't feel like YOU anymore
This can often be the biggest one; Your energy has changed, sleep is different, you brain is foggy and you're less patient.
You start wondering whether this is simply what getting older feels like. DO NOT accept it...
Persistent or concerning changes deserve medical attention, but they're also a good reason to look at how you're actually doing. You've spent so long looking after everyone else that you've forgotten to check in with yourself.
What can you actually do?
Please don't finish reading this and immediately add another 17 things to your to-do list.
Start small.
Eat regular, balanced meals.
Get outside and move your body in a way you enjoy.
Look at your sleep and caffeine habits.
Take a proper lunch break, preferably away from your laptop.
Make time to rest without feeling guilty about it.
You need realistic habits that work with YOUR life.
It's about understanding what your body needs at this stage of life so you can start feeling like YOU again.
Let's join the dots together
I'm Victoria Thomas, a Certified Naturopathic Nutritionist based in the Cotswolds, and I work with women online across the UK. I help women in midlife understand how their nutrition, sleep, stress and lifestyle may be contributing to the way they feel, and make realistic changes that fit their lives.
If you're navigating perimenopause and no longer feel quite like yourself, I'd love to help you explore the bigger picture.
👉 Book a free 30-minute discovery call and take the first step towards feeling healthier, calmer and more energised.
Disclaimer: “Nervous system burnout” is not a medical diagnosis, and these symptoms can have many causes. If they're persistent, worsening or affecting your daily life, please speak to your GP. Nutrition and lifestyle advice should not replace appropriate medical care.
