Feeling tired after experiencing trauma is a common and often normal response. Trauma can deeply affect both the mind and body, leading to physical exhaustion as your system tries to process and recover from the event. This tiredness may come from disrupted sleep, heightened stress responses, or emotional overwhelm.
After trauma, your body’s alarm system, including parts like the amygdala and hypothalamus, can stay activated, keeping you in a state of heightened alertness even when you are safe. This chronic tension can cause fatigue, muscle tightness, headaches, and other physical symptoms. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline may be elevated, while hormones that promote calm and comfort, like serotonin, may be reduced, contributing to sleep problems and exhaustion[2][6].
Sleep disturbances are a key reason for feeling tired after trauma. Many people find it hard to fall asleep, wake frequently, have vivid or disturbing dreams, or feel unrested despite sleeping enough. This happens because the nervous system remains on edge, making it difficult to relax fully and get restorative sleep[3][5][7].
Emotional factors also play a role. Trauma can cause feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, or numbness, which can be draining. Some people may withdraw socially or have trouble concentrating, which adds to the sense of fatigue. These emotional and physical symptoms are part of the body’s natural response to trauma and can vary in intensity and duration[1][4].
It is important to recognize when tiredness is part of a normal healing process and when it might indicate something more serious, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If fatigue and other symptoms persist for a long time, worsen, or interfere significantly with daily life, professional support may be needed. PTSD symptoms include ongoing anxiety, nightmares, difficulty managing emotions, and physical and emotional exhaustion[4][5][7].
To support recovery, it helps to maintain a regular sleep schedule, engage in gentle exercise, and allow yourself to experience and express your emotions. Healing from trauma is a gradual process, and feeling tired is often a sign that your body and mind are working through the experience.
Sources
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/post-traumatic-growth/
https://montgomerycg.net/the-connection-between-trauma-and-the-body/
https://www.emotionstherapycalgary.ca/blog-therapy-calgary-emotions-clinic/signs-of-emotional-trauma-in-adults
https://www.chateaurecovery.com/what-are-the-5-stages-of-ptsd
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma
https://ballemharmonyclinic.com/does-ptsd-cause-fatigue/
https://gothrivemh.com/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-symptoms-guide/
