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Why So Tired?: A 101-Day Guide to Clearer Thinking, Lasting Energy, and Better Sleep

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

8 days and 13:36:29

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
You still get everything done. It just takes everything you have.

You show up for work. You take care of people. You keep going.

But you miss having a clear head. Patience. Energy for something you actually look forward to. By the time a few hours belong to you, there’s barely anything left.

Your labs are “normal.” You still don’t feel like yourself.

When you’re already tired, even deciding where to start is exhausting.

Why So Tired? helps you figure out what to change first, then makes that change small enough to do on a tired day. Readers who completed the journey report steadier energy and better sleep.

Written by a doctor who has been where you are.

Board-certified cardiologist Athan Smyrlis, MD, FACC, draws on more than twenty-five years in medicine and his own seasons of 3 a.m. wake-ups, brain fog, and “normal” test results. He writes from inside the gap between being told nothing is wrong and feeling well. Readers made his book the Amazon #1 Bestseller in Stress Management.

Its answer is simple. For most people, fatigue comes from living out of sync with the 24-hour rhythm your body was designed to follow. Modern life pulls you off it without you noticing, and what drains your energy hides in plain sight because it looks like normal life.

Most health books tell you what to do. Why So Tired? is built to help you do it. It begins with a different question:

What is the smallest thing you can actually do today?

First, a safety check. Before asking you to change anything, the book helps you consider whether something treatable may have been missed, and gives you practical questions to bring to your clinician.

Next, a personalized start. The Compass Check shows which of seven roots is draining you most: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress and safety, purpose, light and timing, or environment. You begin where your energy is leaking, not on page one of someone else’s plan.

Then, 101 days of one simple daily practice. Read for 3 to 7 minutes. Understand one idea. Choose one action to try. Each entry pairs a short real-life story with the science in plain language, so you see yourself in it before you try the step.

Pick the easiest one. Notice what helps. Keep building. Miss a day, a week, or a month? Never catch up. Just come back.

No rigid diet. No expensive protocol. No membership, equipment, or supplement stack. Every action has a version that costs nothing.

Along the way, you’ll learn how to:

• rebuild a daily rhythm your body can trust, starting with morning light and a real evening wind-down
• protect deeper sleep and interrupt the tired-but-wired cycle
• calm a nervous system that has forgotten how to downshift, with concrete ways to handle worry and set limits on screens
• use food and movement as restorative signals, not punishment, from meal timing to a walk after dinner
• make room for the people and purposes you want energy for
• adapt every principle to night-shift and rotating schedules

Picture an evening when you have something left for the people you love. A conversation you can follow without fighting through fog. A morning when the day ahead feels inviting. The goal is energy you can use: to think clearly, be present, and enjoy the hours that belong to you.

Your life is worth having energy for. Start with Day 1.

458 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2026

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About the author

Athan Smyrlis

1 book12 followers
Athan Smyrlis, MD, FACC, is an interventional cardiologist on Long Island who has looked inside nearly 10,000 hearts. His patients are awake on the table, so he talks with them, and after thousands of those conversations he is convinced of one thing: more than our genes, heart disease runs in family routines. Years before those routines show up in an artery, they often show up as tiredness the tests can't explain.

He wrote Why So Tired? for that in-between place, when your labs are normal but you don't feel normal. It is a plain-language, 101-day guide to the habits that rebuild sleep, energy and clear thinking, one small step a day, meant to work alongside good medical care, not replace it.

He shares short, practical pieces on energy, sleep and heart health at instagram.com/drsmyrlis. Website: whysotiredbook.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Caz.
414 reviews181 followers
August 11, 2026
I picked up Why So Tired? because lately I’ve been feeling really tired and exhausted, so the title immediately caught my attention. This non-fiction health and self-help book is a 101-day guided journey looking at tiredness, energy, sleep, lifestyle and the everyday things that can affect how we feel.

Each day gives you something manageable to read and think about, along with useful tips and suggestions. What I really liked was how practical the book is. There are plenty of ideas you can take away without feeling as though you have to completely change your life overnight. When you’re already exhausted, that’s definitely a bonus!

Athan Smyrlis’s writing is clear, straightforward and easy to follow. I liked how the information was broken down into small, manageable sections without making it feel like you were reading a textbook. There’s a good balance between information and practical advice, which kept me interested.

There were lots of useful tips throughout, and although I borrowed this book rather than owning a copy, I can definitely see why it would be one worth keeping and dipping back into. I think it could really benefit anyone who regularly feels tired, run down or simply wants to understand more about their energy levels and daily habits.

For me, it was an interesting and useful read at exactly the right time. I may not have all the answers to why I’m feeling so tired, but I certainly came away with some things to think about and try.

A worthwhile read for anyone looking for practical guidance and a better understanding of tiredness.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Athan Smyrlis, MD for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing date: January 12th 2026
Profile Image for Eclipse Moonflower.
52 reviews33 followers
September 10, 2026
.​...after reading this book, let's just say that I finally understand why people use sleep masks!

​
"A short walk now is better than a perfect workout later." (p. 61)


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"Long stretches of sitting carry health risks, even for people who exercise." (p. 234)


​Why So Tired? by Athan Smyrlis is not just another text focused on disease. Instead, cardiologist Dr. Smyrlis observes and measures what truly matters: each person's individual daily rhythm. I'm fairly certain most of us aren't aware that the World Health Organization considers night-shift careers to be a "probable carcinogen," or that the 10,000-steps goal was simply a marketing scheme—in reality, current evidence shows significant health benefits starting around 7,000 steps a day. Furthermore, I was shocked to learn that even a dreary, overcast day contains nearly 100 times the lux of standard indoor lighting! Science has repeatedly proven that simple, consistent habits have a far more positive effect than popular "health kicks." To state that Why So Tired? is a wealth of information is a total understatement.

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"Plastic plants and fake lawns may look green and never change, but they never deepen either." (p. 149)


​I learned countless other amazing facts throughout this 450+ page read. The book features a blend of Dr. Smyrlis's personal experiences paired with heavily researched topics and exhaustive citations. One might expect to feel overwhelmed by such a dense text, but the structure is organized brilliantly. Opening with a candid note to readers and a guided approach for how to navigate the material, the book is split into four main parts that are easy to jump between—even in digital format.

​Alongside a "101 Days" section, the remaining three parts are dedicated to exploring and applying what Dr. Smyrlis dubs "Living With the Compass." There is even a built-in "Night Shift Compass" section tailored to help shift workers adapt the advice to non-traditional schedules. Science doesn't lie: even if you feel "used to it," research proves that long-term exposure to poor sleep conditions (like ambient night noise) consistently spikes stress hormones and increases health risks. I also appreciated the supplement appendix, which walks you through evidence-based options before you spend money on products.

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"The most powerful detox is to stop adding what your body must detoxify." (p. 418)


​Throughout the entire journey, Dr. Smyrlis offers constant reassurance to the reader that there is no reason to despair. He highlights simple physical actions—like placing a hand over your heart—showing that they aren't silly gimmicks, but scientifically backed strategies to reduce anxiety and build resilience. He also explains how alcohol or medication-induced sedation might force unconsciousness, yet deprives the body of truly restorative sleep. He truthfully points out that populations living in harmony with natural circadian rhythms and fresh food consistently live longer—an outcome that stems less from advanced healthcare and more from daily discipline. As the author himself notes, at the heart of the book: "The strongest medicine is often the simplest habit" (p. 212).

​A powerful, life-changing read, I would recommend Why So Tired? to anyone who wants to rest a little easier. You definitely won't regret picking it up; this is the kind of resource you will return to for years to come. With guiding questions, a reassuring tone, and plenty of relatability, this no bullshit guide is a full 5 stars well earned. I'm still tired, but now I finally understand why.

​
"You were never meant to live in harvest season all year." (p. 179)


A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for skhye ♡.
397 reviews7 followers
January 21, 2026
I am so happy the publisher granted my wish on NetGalley for this book and it’s finally been released!

I’ve been struggling with my sleeping habits lately and while I have already reached out to a doctor I wanted to try to understand as much as I could on my own and try a few things. As soon as I got my hands on this I immediately started reading. This book had a lot of helpful information and practical tips. I immediately put them into practice and have already started to feel a bit better. Hopefully in 101 days from now I’ll be much more rested.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
3,011 reviews734 followers
January 18, 2026
A powerful guide for better health through small steps that can be taken daily over 101 days. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kayla Groening.
25 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2026
I thought that this book was genuinely fantastic!

I can see it helping a lot of people.

I appreciate how empathetic, kind, and gracious the author is in his writing.

He meets the reader where they are and provides a practical framework for better health.

The book is set up so you can start with the daily prompts and read the supplementary information when you have the energy.

As someone who struggles with discipline and forming daily habits, I appreciate that you don't have to restart if you miss a day (or a week or a month). You just pick up and carry on where you left off.

I also think it is great how each day has options for the daily prompts. You can pick which one seems the most relevant or doable, which makes it very approachable and less like a chore. It also means you can do the 101 days repeatedly and feel it is new and fresh each time by picking different options. I like the simple reflections for each day — one line; that's it.

I see enormous value in working through the prompts and plan to stick with the 101 days to improve my own health.

I will pick up a copy (or more to share) of this book and recommend it to others.

An advanced reader copy of the book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,738 reviews122 followers
January 18, 2026
Why So Tired? is a beautifully reassuring and quietly transformative guide for anyone who has ever been told their labs are “normal” while their body tells a very different story. Athan Smyrlis, MD writes with a rare blend of medical expertise and genuine empathy, offering support to those who feel exhausted, wired, overwhelmed, or simply not themselves — yet not “sick enough” to be taken seriously.

What makes this book so effective is its simplicity. The 101‑day structure is intentionally gentle: one short insight, a touch of accessible science, a single doable step, and space to reflect. It’s the opposite of overwhelming — a rhythm you can actually keep, even on the days when you’re running on fumes. Smyrlis understands that when you’re exhausted, you don’t need grand overhauls; you need direction.

The “Compass” framework is especially powerful. By focusing on six practical levers — circadian timing, deeper sleep, steadier blood sugar, movement, stress recovery, and connection — the book helps readers identify what drains them and what reliably restores them. It’s a thoughtful, grounded approach that avoids extremes and instead encourages small, consistent habits that support the body’s natural rhythms.

Smyrlis’s philosophy is refreshing: the best medical outcome is often the crisis you prevent. His emphasis on evidence‑based care paired with simple, sustainable lifestyle shifts makes the book feel both trustworthy and deeply human. There’s no judgement here, no pressure — just steady encouragement and the reminder that you’re not broken, you’re not imagining it, and you’re closer to feeling better than you think.

Warm, clear, and genuinely supportive, Why So Tired? is the kind of book that meets you exactly where you are and gently guides you toward a steadier, more rested life. A wonderful resource for anyone navigating exhaustion, burnout, or the confusing “in‑between” of not feeling fine.

With thanks to Athan Smyrlis, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
1,389 reviews22 followers
February 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book. A very easy read to discover why you are tired and a daily plan for creating the habits you may need to improve your energy and life. I have already created habits for all these recommendations so I didn't find much to help me at this point but all of these habits have already made a difference in my life. So, good stuff! I'm buying this book for family that are having a hard time developing these habits.
I especially enjoyed how the book is laid out. You can benefit from just reading a chapter or even part of a chapter at a time. The 101 day plan very gradually helps you to create the habits you need to improve your energy and life. I recommend this book to anyone interested in actually making the changes they need to make their life better.
I received a free copy of this book and this review reflects my own thoughts and opinions about this book.
Profile Image for Helen.
418 reviews
January 11, 2026
This book is literally packed with the tools for a whole life overhaul. I feel I will be dipping in and out of this book for a long time to come. I really like the format - a quote, a reflection, a real life example, a checklist. I think these are very motivating and able to be practically actioned. Thanks to NetGalley and True Health Compass LLC for the ARC.
Profile Image for Eka Pheradze.
3 reviews
September 11, 2026
ძალიან ცოტა თუ ახერხებს სამედიცინო პრაქტიკულობასა და ღრმა, მშვიდ რეფლექსიას შორის ბალანსის ისე დაცვას, როგორც ეს წიგნი. არარეალურ მოთხოვნებს კჯ არ გიყენებს, არამედ გთავაზობს დაფიქრებულ ჩარჩოს თქვენი ცხოვრების რეალურად გადასატვირთად.

მარადიული სიბრძნის მოკლე პასაჟი, საღი რეფლექსია, ცოტაოდენი მეცნიერება და ადამიანური ისტორია კლინიკური პრაქტიკიდან, რაც ამ ყველაფერს ერთ მთლიანობად კრავს.

ავტორი აღდგენის პროცესს სამ აუცილებელ ნაბიჯად ყოფს: დაიცავი, აღადგინე, დააშენე. მოვლენებისთვის გასწრების მცდელობა, როგორც წესი, ისევ საწყის წერტილში გაბრუნებთ.

„მოსვენება არ ნიშნავს არაფრის კეთებას. გონივრული დასვენება აქტიური განკურნებაა: სწორი რაღაცები, სწორი თანმიმდევრობით, სწორ დროს. ზოგი დასვენებას სუსტ მხარედ აღიქვამს. რეალურად, სტრატეგიული დასვენება სიძლიერეა. მთასვლელები მწვერვალს იმის გამო აღწევენ, რომ საბაზო ბანაკები არსებობს.“

საინტერესოა, თუ როგორ ვცვლით ჩვენს შეზღუდულ საათებს ფულზე, თანამედროვე სამუშაო ჩვევებთან დაკავშირებით ნამდვილი გამოფხიზლება იყო.

ამინას ისტორია,როდესაც ის ძველი შიშების გამო დამატებით ცვლებში მუშაობდა მაშინაც კი, როცა ფინანსური სტრესი უკვე გადალახული ჰქონდა ,სვამს კითხვას: „რას ემსახურება ეს ფული სინამდვილეში, თუ იმისთვისაც კი ძალიან დაღლილი ვარ, რომ ვიცხოვრო იმ ცხოვრებით, რომელიც ამ ფულმა უნდა უზრუნველყოს?“

ბოლო დღე გვთავაზობს გადაწვის ისეთ პერსპექტივას, რასაც სტანდარტული ჩვევები ,მაგალითად, ძილი თუ კვება,უბრალოდ ვერ ეხება.
„თქვენი დაღლილობის ნაწილს ვერ გამოასწორებს ის, თუ როგორ გვძინავს, ვჭამთ ან ვმოძრაობთ. ამ დაღლილობის ნაწილი იმ სიმძიმემ მოიტანა, რასაც დამხმარის გარეშე ცხოვრების ტარება, რთული გადაწყვეტილებების მარტო მიღება, გაუჟღერებელი შიშების ტარება და გზამკვლევის გარეშე სიძლიერის შენარჩუნების მცდელობა ჰქვია. დასვენებას შეუძლია სხეულის აღდგენა, მაგრამ ის ვერ უპასუხებს სულის თითოეულ ტვირთს.“

ეს სრულიად ცვლის იმას, თუ როგორ აღვიქვამთ ლოცვას ან რეფლექსიას-ნაკლები მოთხოვნები და მეტი სიცხადის პოვნა: „ლოცვა ხშირად არასწორად გვესმის, რადგან მას მხოლოდ რაღაცის თხოვნად აღვიქვამთ.“

„ლოცვა, რომელიც მინდა დაგიტოვოთ, განსხვავდება სიტყვებისგან: „ღმერთო, გთხოვ, ეს გააკეთე ჩემთვის”. ის ასეთია: ღმერთო, მაჩვენე, რა უნდა გავაკეთო.“

საინტერესოა.
Profile Image for Brittany Kristina.
93 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2026
A great how-to guide that gives practical and realistic daily changes you can make to help improve your sleep. I love that the book is a guide and can be read at different paces. The drawback to it being a guide with different sections to flip back and forth to, is that it is not really ebook friendly. I was able to go back and forth as needed, but not as easily as a paperback. I would recommend a paperback copy to anyone looking for small changes to make to improve your sleep. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Megan.
99 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2026

I was given a copy of this book as a birthday present by my friend who highly recommended it. She had been talking about it at our book club and it sounded like just what I needed.

In a world where everything seems to be at 100mph, this book has made me really stop and think about what I was / am doing.

The science part is really interesting and because it’s broken down in to chunks, it doesn’t feel like you are reading a text book. But what I particularly like are the daily plans.

Each day there is a short inspirational bit to read and think about and then there are 3 suggestions of what you can do that day. Things like, have a cup of tea outside, go for a short walk, stare out of the window (I might have made that one up?!)

There is no pressure to do anything and if you miss a day out, it doesn’t matter, you can just pick up where you left off which I definitely need to hear as I would be annoyed with myself if I missed a day out and then probably (definitely) would give up.

Everything is so manageable and because it’s little steps, you don’t feel overwhelmed or put off by the options each day. And it doesn’t seem to matter if you use an option from a previous day either.

I am still tired, I haven’t finished the 101 days but what I do know is that I feel better for reading this book and following the advice so I shall continue to do so.
350 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2026
Read for 52 Book Club Challenge 2026 41) A guide to…

Read for UK Book Club Genre Challenge April 2026 - Non-fiction/Self-help

Athan Smyrlis MD tackles the tricky issue of when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired but all your labs come back as normal. The doctor tells you that you are fine. But you are still crashing. Smyrlis suggests that it may be because you are out of your natural rhythm and points to six practical levers to restore this: light and circadian timing, falling asleep and staying asleep, steadier blood sugar and energy, daily movement, stress and recovery, and connection and meaning.

None of this is groundbreaking if you read health/self-help books, but what makes this book stand out from the others is the method Smyrlis uses. He turns the usual format on it's head (diagnose the issue, explain the science, and then give a complete 'change your life' plan). He reasons that if you are truly tired then all this is just too much. So, the science and explanations come at the end and he leads up front with a daily plan - a short inspirational read followed by a choice of small easy actions. You are encouraged to choose the easiest for you and not to worry if you miss a day - just pick it up again. All of the actions are behavioural - you don't need to buy anything (no fancy supplements!). I have found this approach really accessible and inspiring and can genuinely say that it is changing my behaviour, which is surely the point. It's very easy to 'know' the right thing - it is much more difficult to actually do it.

Please note I am just 10 days into the plan but will report back later - this is not a book to read quickly if you do it properly and follow the 101 day plan one day at a time.

A genuinely helpful book (so far!) to get your energy back on track through tiny but important nudges in the right direction.

Thank you to Athan Smyrlis, True Health Compass LLC and NetGalley for an ARC.
Profile Image for Jill Elizabeth.
2,138 reviews56 followers
February 23, 2026
This is a fabulously organized book, that is designed as a daily tool as well as a reference book. That combination makes it unique among the self-help-style books I've come across (my experience with the genre is limited, admittedly, as I typically don't find this style of book helpful). Unlike most I've seen, this one is separated into sections that can be utilized depending on one's ability and motivation. To me, this is a marvlous recognition that for many, the desire to seek help is a significant first step in itself and having the pieces broken into manageable bits is a very smart acknowledgment that this desire may not always be accompanied by the emotional bandwidth to sit down and read an entire book in order to get started...

By providing a short summary section, modest daily "lessons", and a more detailed section for additional insight if and when it's needed or desired, Smyrlis has developed a truly helpful self-help book that anyone can access, at any emotional or mental place on the spectrum of help-seeking. Add to that the fact that the writing is accessible, the anecdotes and personal stories are relatable, and the advice is designed to be supportive and encouraging (down to the "if you miss a day, don't worry - just skip it and move on" guidance) rather than to leave the reader feeling like they have failed if they can't commit to a 500 page technical volume while mired in exhaustion... It's a fabulous organizational method and one I've found very useful. I have skipped around, and each of the sections is helpful in its own right, as well as collectively.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Profile Image for Sannie.
9 reviews
April 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is such a helpful and practical strategy to get back your control over how your body and mood feels. In my opinion this book delivers what it promises.

The writing is very clear, precise, and easy to follow. I loved how the information is organized making it very easy and accessible. If you are not in the mood of or don't have the energy to read a lot of theory in the moment then you can just go through the brief ideas in the beginning and jump straight to the daily guide. The 101 day guide is also very practically organized with quotes, brief ideas, examples and action steps which don't feel too much do on a day. There are many real life examples of people's struggles and their solutions at every step which will be relatable and helpful to many. Once you find yourself actually interested in the concepts or in any one concept you can go for the detailed descriptions later in the book.

Overall the book is a very practical approach for anyone who wants to understand the lack of energy, focus or rest in their life and learn to take as much control as they can over their body, mood and life.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,969 reviews37 followers
February 14, 2026
Review of Why So Tired? A 101 Day Guide to Clearer Thinking, Lasting Energy, and Better Sleep by Athan Smyrlis, MD.

I loved everything about this very informative book:
- The author's writing style is highly readable and easy to understand,
- The book can be read and used in multiple ways which allows the reader to customize their reading experience.
- It contains so much information!

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who struggles with not feeling rested. I'm keeping it on my table so that I can read parts regularly. This gets 5 stars from me!

My sincere thanks to the author, and to True Health Compass for permitting me to access a DRC via NetGalley. The book is available at retailers now. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Tahni.
398 reviews
March 23, 2026
A great resource for busy folks with sleep trouble. It offers tips in bite-sized chunks, backed by research and supported by examples. I'd heard a lot of the tips before but most hadn't sunken in since I'm still having trouble sleeping well consistently.

The format is effective - short chapters intended to be read daily. Action items were easy to implement. And there's a self-evaluation so readers can identify areas of focus. I'll come back to this when I find myself needing encouragement or refreshers.

Thanks to True Health Compass, NetGalley, and author Athan Smyrlis, MD for this digital copy to honestly review.
159 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2026
As someone who is chronically tired, when I saw this book I was instantly intrigued. When your labs are normal you feel like you must be imagining things but this book makes me feel seen and gives me tools that I can actually use.

The book was well laid out and offered different paths depending on your focus levels. It gives you a framework to understand what’s going on in your body and the tools to hopefully help fix it. I obviously haven’t had enough time to really put it into practice but I look forward to the coming months!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Nikki Losin.
85 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2026
Why So Tired? by Athan Smyris is an incredibly easy and approachable read, perfect for when your energy or concentration is low. The writing is clear, gentle, and broken into manageable sections, with practical, helpful tips you can actually apply to everyday life. It offers reassurance without being overwhelming and feels genuinely supportive. A great read for anyone feeling drained and looking for simple ways to feel more balanced.
1 review1 follower
January 22, 2026
I am in the middle of reading this practical guide that focuses on simple lifestyle changes that can greatly improve my sleep and long-term health. The book explains fatigue in a clear and easily comprehensible way and offers realistic steps that feel attainable rather than overwhelming. By day 5 of 101-day program, it feels motivating and empowering, with a strong focus on habits that support lasting energy and well-being.
2 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2026
Why So Tired? was the first book that made me feel understood.
I have been dealing with 3 a.m. wake-ups and chronic fatigue for years. This book did not offer quick fixes or empty reassurance. It explained why my body was doing this and what actually helps.
Clear, grounded, and deeply practical. It gave me language, relief, and a real way forward when “everything looks normal” was not an answer anymore.
106 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2026
This is an excellent book on finding your way back from poor health. . The information provided is direct and to the point. No fancy gadgets or special equipment are needed nor speciality food. This book is incredibly easy to follow and understand.
Profile Image for Sandy.
489 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2026
I usually wait until I'm completely done before reviewing a book, but this book is a bit different, as it includes a 101-Day practical challenge. So, I've read Part 1 and I'm now immersed in Part 2 (the challenge), but I have many days left to go before I reach Day 101. I considered waiting until I was finished but I think it makes more sense, to me anyway, to give a review now and then update/add to it when I've completed the challenge. I've been given an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley with the expectation that I will provide an honest review. This is that.

So, first impressions? I love this author's style. The writing is structured and written in a way to be accessible to almost anyone. The tone is perfect for me, as I have a history of eating disorders, among other things, that don't react well to rigidity. What I like best about this doctor's approach is that it's created to address all a person's health as a whole, not just piecemeal. He's created a list of what he calls the seven roots of health, explains why they're important, as well as how they impact our day-to-day lives either for better or for worse, depending on our choices and routines. He backs up his information with facts, which is also a plus.

The author explains the set-up of the book and how to use it very clearly and I have to say that in my experience - and I've read a lot of health books in the past three or so decades - this is by far the best I've seen yet. He doesn't appear to be selling anything, other than the book itself. He appears to be genuinely interested in sharing his knowledge in a way that is clear, concise, easy to use, easy to do, and in what feels like a warm supportive environment. There's no shaming, no imperatives, no rigid rules or formulas. It comes across as an invitation to the reader to change their day-to-day lives one small step at a time without expectation and with unconditional flexibility. For me, this is perfect.

Now, as I said. I'm at the beginning of the 101-day challenge, but so far, so good. Heck, it even has me journaling again, which my therapist has been suggesting for at least a year or two now! I will return in May 2026 to offer an update when I've completed the challenge. My guess is that I'll restart it once I've gone through it once because it's set up in a way that makes that doable without being irritating.

So, first thoughts are that I'm excited by this book and I have faith that I can change my daily routines to the point that I won't be so tired anymore. We'll find out in May.
Profile Image for Laura.
431 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2026
Why So Tired by Athan Smyrlis is such a fantastic and restorative read. While the ideas themselves weren’t entirely new to me, the way they’re delivered feels incredibly refreshing—almost like a deep exhale for the soul.

The writing is grounded in compassion and genuine understanding, and the author’s desire to truly help people comes through on every page. There’s something deeply comforting about the tone—it meets you exactly where you are.

I actually started with the opening and closing sections before working my way through the 101 daily reflections, and I loved that format. Each entry is short, approachable, and easy to absorb, making it feel doable even on the most exhausting days. The suggestion to write down one takeaway from each day that resonates with you is simple but powerful—it reinforces the message in a meaningful, lasting way.

One of my favorite aspects was the discussion of how our bodies are designed to function in rhythms and cycles—light and dark, feast and fast, work and rest. The section on dopamine was especially insightful, and Chapter 6 stood out with its vivid “think of your body as…” imagery. Those analogies made ideas feel tangible and easy to connect with.

I found myself highlighting passage after passage.

This book is a hopeful, helpful gem offering a path forward—perfect for anyone who feels stretched thin, overwhelmed, or simply tired in their body and life. I highly recommend it.

Special thanks to the author, True Health Compass, and NetGalley for the gifted copy
Profile Image for Nikolett.
137 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2026
Why So Tired is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns. It’s not a book meant to be read in one sitting, (referring to Part II,) but instead, it’s designed to be worked through over 101 days, gradually introducing small, sustainable lifestyle changes.

What stands out is how it emphasizes the often overlooked role of movement, nutrition, stress, and circadian rhythm in achieving quality sleep. Dr. Smyrlis does a great job breaking down these concepts into easy to understand terms, helping readers grasp why these changes matter rather than just telling them what to do. The format is also very user friendly and easy to follow. I would absolutely recommend this book to my patients, as well as to anyone looking to improve their sleep quality.

That said, I personally found it more effective as a physical copy rather than on Kindle. I started it digitally but ended up purchasing the hard copy, as it was much easier to reference and stay consistent with. Of course, that’s just a personal preference.
Profile Image for Sherin.
359 reviews11 followers
April 2, 2026
Written by Athan Smyrlis MD, Why so Tired is a simple and straightforward guide to resetting our body and getting back into health and vitality. I loved this book absolutely because it's written in layman's language and is easy to understand and follow for everyone. The step-by-step instructions, lists, checklists, pointers and a clear map make it easy to get started right away!

Are you looking to fix yourself without pricey additions to your budget but looking for real and concrete but workable changes that make a real difference? Do you want to be the best you can be? Stay healthy and active? This book is just what you need to get started!

This is a must-read for anyone looking to better their health, or even prevent common mistakes that go unnoticed and whatnot. The best part - this book is NOT at all stuffy like many other books and keeps your interest going till the very end!
Profile Image for Jonesy.Reads.
797 reviews21 followers
March 1, 2026
Overall I enjoyed this informative healthy living self help book written by Athan Smyrlis MD.

There are a few different ways to approach reading this, which are outlined in the beginning. I chose to read it in order day-by-day, but you can also read the sections specific to your particular area of concern, etc.

My key take aways:
Walk more
Reduce or eliminate UPF's
Consistent wake and sleep times
Fresh air and sunlight before phone screens
Drink more water
Eat home cooked meals made from whole ingredients as frequently as possible
One tiny change repeated consistently can have huge positive impacts
Do your best and don't wait for crisis to start
Start today with one small choice, movement, or change

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨


Thank you NetGalley and true Health Compass LLC for a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
175 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2026
I like the caveat in the beginning, which I think is important for any book written by a healthcare professional. There are a few things here that I am not sure are evidence-based (like natural spring water?) but a lot of things that absolutely were. I also thought the choice to quote oneself is interesting and not really to my taste, Also, those quoted are almost entirely men (some of whom are I don’t think are really examples of many values espoused in the book, like Steve Jobs).

But a lot in this book is pretty reasonable and in line with evidence-based knowledge. This book does not promise any kind of quick fix, but rather provides many gentle, feasible suggestions that can guide you to improved health and well-being. In doing so, I think this book is likely reasonable in its scope and could be helpful to a variety of people.
Profile Image for Jessie McKinnon.
55 reviews
July 11, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and True Health Compass for the ARC.

I decided to read the book in chronological order (the author suggests a few ways of reading it depending on where you are in your journey).

I am now at Day 43 and I can't say that I am less tired, but I managed to integrate a few habits and that still counts.

If you, like me, already have pretty good life habits (e.g. eat well, exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs, get a decent amount of sleep, stay hydrated), you probably can skip over half of the book. Or you can play the whole game. Reminders are good.

I like the structure of the 101 days, especially with the 3 suggested action items. You choose the easiest one for you that day. Sometimes, concepts get repeated, but hey! as my high school French teacher said: that's how you learn.
Profile Image for LizNReads.
265 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2026
Thank you so much NetGalley, True Health Compass LLC & Athan Smyrlis for this eARC.
I read a few chapters of this book and I immediately bought my copy because, as someone who has been struggling with my sleeping habits for months, this book provides so much knowledge and easy steps to take daily! The best part? It only asks you do one simple activity per day! Only one. As simple as making sure you have one complete meal, or that you walk for 5-10mins after you eat. All of these activities are so easy! And I am ready to get started and improve, not only my sleeping habits but, my overall health!
This is a book you must read. The paperback costs $12.99 USD, and for “a 101 day guide to clearer thinking, lasting energy & better sleep,” you’re paying less than $0.13 per day. That’s money well spent there.
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