Exhaustion

Restlessness

Restlessness—whether physical (pacing, fidgeting) or mental (racing thoughts, inability to relax)—is strongly linked to elevated noradrenaline activity in the brain and body. Noradrenaline is a “fight-or-flight” chemical that keeps you alert, responsive, and ready for action. When it’s overactive, it can leave you feeling like you’re constantly “on edge,” even when there’s no real reason for alarm.

In a normal stress response, noradrenaline helps sharpen focus and energize the body. But under chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, or sleep deprivation, noradrenaline can remain elevated for too long, creating a state of ongoing arousal. This overstimulation can make it difficult to sit still, stay calm, or mentally slow down. It’s also why restlessness is a common symptom in conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), ADHD, and panic disorders.

This hyperaroused state can interfere with sleep, concentration, and emotional regulation. Over time, it becomes exhausting—your body feels wired, but your mind is tired.

Restlessness driven by noradrenaline often comes with other symptoms like:

• Elevated heart rate

• Muscle tension

• Muscle tension

• Irritability or sensitivity to noise/light

• Feeling like you must “do something” but not knowing what

Restlessness is more than just an inability to relax—it’s often a signal of internal hormonal dysregulation. Whether it shows up as physical fidgeting, mental overactivity, or constant unease, your body’s chemical messengers are at play

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is your body’s emergency signal. When it’s too high—due to chronic stress, caffeine, or emotional triggers—it keeps your nervous system on high alert. This leads to hypervigilance, jitteriness, and a constant “on edge” feeling, all of which contribute to restlessness, especially at night.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

GABA is your body’s natural relaxant. It slows brain activity, supports sleep, and reduces mental chatter. When GABA is low, you may feel mentally overstimulated and unable to slow down, even when physically tired. This imbalance is often seen in anxiety-related restlessness and difficulty shutting off the mind.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA promotes resilience, mood stability, and calmness. Low levels of DHEA make it harder for the body to buffer stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing sensitivity to stress and amplifying internal agitation. A DHEA deficiency can leave you feeling depleted yet restless.

Cortisol

Cortisol, your main stress hormone, is meant to rise in the morning and fall at night. When this rhythm is disrupted—either too high at night or too low in the morning—it can cause racing thoughts, nighttime alertness, and difficulty winding down. Chronic cortisol imbalance is a major cause of hormonal restlessness and sleep disturbances.