Hypermobility, Fatigue & Always Feeling Tired? How to Boost Energy

Feb 21

3 min read

Do you constantly feel exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get? You’re not alone. Fatigue is one of the most frustrating symptoms of hypermobility syndrome, leaving many people feeling drained even after a full night’s rest.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I always tired?”, the answer could be linked to your hypermobility. The good news? There are ways to improve your energy levels and take back control of your daily life. Let’s dive into why hypermobility causes fatigue and the best ways to manage it.

Fatigue & tiredness in hypermobility syndrome

Why Does Hypermobility Cause Fatigue?

Fatigue in hypermobility syndrome isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it’s a deep, unrelenting exhaustion that can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Here’s why it happens:

🔹 Overworked Muscles – Hypermobile joints require extra effort to stay stable, meaning your muscles are constantly working overtime. This drains your energy faster and can cause hypermobility syndrome related pain.

🔹 Poor Posture & Alignment – When joints are too loose, your body compensates with inefficient movement patterns, leading to muscle strain and fatigue.

🔹 Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (POTS & Dysautonomia) – Many people with hypermobility experience issues with blood circulation, leading to dizziness, low blood pressure, and overwhelming tiredness.

🔹 Chronic Pain & Sleep Disruptions – Joint pain can make restful sleep difficult, leaving you feeling unrested no matter how long you stay in bed.

How to Boost Energy with Hypermobility

Feeling constantly drained isn’t something you just have to accept. Here are some science-backed ways to improve your energy and reduce hypermobility-related fatigue.

1. Strengthen Your Muscles (Without Overdoing It!)

Building muscle strength can help stabilise your joints and reduce the extra effort your body puts into movement. But the key is to start slow and avoid overexertion.

✅ Focus on low-resistance exercises (like Pilates, resistance bands, and bodyweight movements).

✅ Prioritise core and postural strength to improve body alignment and reduce energy drain.

✅ Keep workouts short but consistent—overtraining can lead to flare-ups.

2. Manage Your Energy with the "Spoon Theory"

The Spoon Theory is a great way to think about energy management. Imagine you start the day with a set number of “spoons” (units of energy). Every activity—brushing your hair, walking, working—uses up a spoon. When you’re out of spoons, you’re out of energy.

🔹 Prioritise high-energy tasks earlier in the day when you have more spoons.

🔹 Plan rest breaks before you feel exhausted (not after).

🔹 Listen to your body and don’t push through severe fatigue—it can lead to a longer recovery time.

3. Improve Your Sleep Quality (Not Just Quantity!)

Many hypermobile people struggle with non-restorative sleep, meaning they sleep but still wake up feeling exhausted. Here’s how to improve it:

✅ Use proper sleep support – A body pillow can help keep joints aligned and reduce night time pain.

✅ Create a wind-down routine – Try relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle stretching before bed.

✅ Check for sleep disorders – Conditions like sleep apnoea are common in hypermobility and can contribute to extreme fatigue - speak to your GP/physician.

4. Balance Blood Circulation & Hydration

If you often feel dizzy or sluggish when standing up, blood pooling could be making your fatigue worse. Many hypermobile individuals have dysautonomia, which affects circulation.

🔹 Stay hydrated – Aim for 2-3 litres of water daily, and consider electrolyte drinks.

🔹 Wear compression socks – These help improve blood flow and prevent light headedness.

🔹 Try salt intake adjustments – More salt can help regulate blood pressure, but always check with your doctor first.

5. Fuel Your Body with the Right Nutrition

Food is fuel, and what you eat directly impacts your energy levels.

✅ Prioritise protein & healthy fats – These keep blood sugar stable and provide long-lasting energy.

✅ Avoid sugar crashes – High-sugar foods can cause energy dips.

✅ Consider iron & B12 levels – Deficiencies are common in hypermobile people and can contribute to extreme fatigue.

Conclusion: Take Small Steps Toward Better Energy

If you’re struggling with hypermobility fatigue, remember: you don’t have to push through exhaustion every day. By making small adjustments - like strengthening your body, managing your spoons, and optimising sleep - you can start to regain control of your energy levels.