Tired vs Fatigued: What Mums Need to Know

As a mum, feeling tired is almost a given. Sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and the constant mental load can leave you yawning before lunchtime. But what I’ve learned, both as a mum myself and as a trainer working with mums, is that there’s a huge difference between being tired and being fatigued.

And understanding that difference really matters, especially when it comes to your health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

Tired vs. Fatigued: What’s the Difference?

We often throw around the word tired as mums. But if you’ve been feeling wiped out no matter how much you rest, it might be something deeper.

Tiredness is temporary:

• It usually comes from exertion, poor sleep, or stress.
  
• You can often push through it.
  
• Rest, a nap, or a solid night’s sleep usually makes it better.
  
  

Fatigue is different:

• It doesn’t go away with rest.
  
• It can feel unpredictable.
  
• It may come with brain fog, mood changes, headaches, or body aches.
  
• Sometimes even gentle movement can trigger a crash 24–72 hours later (called post-exertional malaise).
  

And here’s the tricky part: fatigue isn’t always visible. You look fine. You smile. You show up. But behind the scenes, you're exhausted in a way sleep doesn’t fix.This is invisible fatigue , and it’s something so many mums live with quietly. It’s often misunderstood, even by the people closest to you.

In short, tiredness is your body asking for a recharge, while fatigue is your body waving a red flag.

Signs You Might Be Dealing With Fatigue

If any of these sound familiar, it may be more than just tiredness:

• You wake up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.
  
• You feel like you’re running on 1%.
  
• You experience brain fog or “wired-but-tired” energy.
  
• A simple workout leaves you heavy, foggy, or wiped out days later.
  

Fatigue can be linked to:

• Perimenopause
  
• Postnatal depletion
  
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
  
• Chronic stress and nervous system burnout

This is why treating fatigue as if it were just tiredness (by “pushing through”) often backfires, leading to deeper burnout and longer crashes.

Moving With Fatigue: A Different Approach

The good news? Fatigue doesn’t mean you have to stop moving altogether. It just means learning how to work with your body, not against it. Movement is powerful, but only when it meets you where you are.

Instead of “powering through,” try:

• Pacing your energy so you don’t overdo it on better days.
  
• Gentle movement paired with nervous system support.
  
• Breathwork and intentional rest to calm your body.
  
• Tracking your energy and crashes to spot patterns and adjust accordingly.
  

These strategies may sound simple, but they can completely change how you experience exercise and daily life.

You Don’t Have to Push Through Alone

If ll this feels familiar, please knowthat you’re not alone, you’re not lazy and you’re definitely not “making it up.” At Strong Mums, we work closely with trusted health professionals in our community. If you’re navigating fatigue, burnout, nutrition, or breastfeeding challenges, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to support your whole journey, not just your workouts. With the right approach, you can build strength, energy, and confidence without burning yourself out.

If this resonates, I’d love to chat about how I can best support you. Together, we can find an approach that helps you move, recover, and thrive.