The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, driven by escalating global population and demand for smart infrastructure, has underscored the need for energy-efficient Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). While WSNs provide scalable, real-time monitoring for various smart applications, energy constraints on sensor nodes remain a critical challenge. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of energy-efficient routing and clustering protocols in IoT-enabled WSNs, reviews state-of-the-art algorithms including nature-inspired methods and multi-criteria decision-making strategies, and proposes a structured methodology for a low-power, scalable communication framework. Simulation outcomes from recent studies are discussed, showcasing significant improvements in network lifetime, energy conservation, and reliability.