You wake up feeling drained, even after a full night’s sleep. Coffee gives you a brief spark, but the exhaustion returns before noon. Tasks that once felt simple, such as working out, focusing at your desk, or even socializing, now feel like climbing a hill you never quite reach the top of. No matter how much you rest, you can’t seem to shake the fatigue.

Chronic fatigue isn’t just about being tired: it’s a sign that your body’s energy systems are struggling at the cellular level. That’s where NAD+ comes in. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring coenzyme that fuels every cell in your body. Optimizing your NAD+ levels may help restore your vitality, mental clarity, and overall energy.

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is far more than everyday tiredness. It’s a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Often called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), this condition affects how your cells produce and use energy. While researchers continue to uncover the exact causes, one key factor is cellular energy dysfunction linked to low NAD+ levels.

Your cells rely on NAD+ to convert nutrients into energy (ATP). When NAD+ levels drop, your mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of your cells, struggle to produce enough energy to sustain normal function. Over time, this can lead to overwhelming fatigue and brain fog.

Signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue:

• Persistent exhaustion lasting longer than six months
• Poor recovery after physical or mental activity
• Unrefreshing sleep despite adequate rest
• Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
• Muscle or joint pain without a clear cause
• Headaches or dizziness
• Sensitivity to light, noise, or temperature
• Mood changes, such as irritability or low motivation

How low NAD+ levels can lead to chronic fatigue

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in every cell of your body. Think of it as your body’s natural “spark plug.” It drives the chemical reactions that keep your cells alive, powering metabolism, DNA repair, and energy production. Most importantly, NAD+ fuels the mitochondria, the structures responsible for turning food into energy (ATP).

As NAD+ levels decline due to aging, stress, poor diet, and chronic inflammation, your cells lose their ability to generate energy efficiently. Without enough NAD+ levels, your mitochondria can’t convert nutrients into usable energy. As a result, your cells operate below capacity.

Research also shows that viral infections and immune dysfunction can deplete NAD+ by activating inflammatory pathways. This diverts your body’s resources away from energy production, leaving you feeling drained, foggy, and unwell.

Essentially, low NAD+ creates a cycle of energy deficiency: your body can’t make enough ATP, and without ATP, you can’t make more NAD+. Over time, this vicious cycle manifests as the hallmark symptoms of chronic fatigue: brain fog, low stamina, and exhaustion.

Recharge your energy at the cellular level with NAD+

NAD+ therapy helps restore natural energy production by replenishing cellular NAD+ through patches, injections, and nasal sprays. These methods deliver NAD+ directly into your system, allowing your cells to absorb and utilize it efficiently. By replenishing NAD+, your body can resume mitochondrial function, improve cellular repair, and restore your natural vitality.

Below, we describe how NAD+ can recharge your energy at the cellular level.

Support mitochondrial energy production

NAD+ serves as the cornerstone of mitochondrial energy creation. When your cells have adequate NAD+, they can convert food into ATP. This results in steady, sustained energy throughout the day rather than temporary bursts followed by crashes. You may notice improved stamina, better focus, and less midday sluggishness as your body begins to operate at its natural rhythm again.

Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

Inflammatory molecules can damage mitochondria and further deplete NAD+. By increasing NAD+ levels, your body activates sirtuins, the proteins that help reduce inflammation and repair damaged cells. This helps restore balance to your immune and metabolic systems. Over time, you may experience clearer thinking, fewer aches, and greater resilience against everyday stressors.

Improve mental clarity and cognitive performance

Your brain consumes more energy than any other organ in your body. When NAD+ is low, mental fog, poor concentration, and memory lapses are common. NAD+ therapy supports optimal neuronal energy metabolism, allowing your brain to function more efficiently. Many patients describe a “mental lift” after optimizing NAD+, which may involve feeling sharper, calmer, and more focused.

Enhance recovery and resilience

Chronic fatigue can make even mild exertion feel overwhelming. NAD+ helps shorten recovery time by improving how your muscles and tissues process energy. It also supports faster repair of cellular damage. Whether you’re an athlete seeking better endurance or you simply want to regain your energy for everyday life, NAD+ optimization helps your body bounce back more effectively.

Support immune balance and long-term wellness

NAD+ doesn’t just help you feel better in the short term: it also supports the foundation of long-term wellness. Healthy NAD+ levels regulate immune function, reduce chronic inflammation, and maintain cellular communication across all organ systems. For those struggling with post-viral fatigue or immune-related energy depletion, this can be especially beneficial.

Reclaim your energy with Genesis Lifestyle Medicine

If you’re tired of feeling exhausted, it’s time to look deeper. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we take a whole-body approach to restoring your vitality. Our medical team can help you evaluate your NAD+ levels and develop a personalized plan using NAD+ patches, injections, or nasal sprays to help you recharge from the inside out.

Your body was designed to thrive, not just get by. With NAD+ therapy at Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, you can help restore your natural energy production, renew your focus, and rediscover what it feels like to feel truly alive again.