Tired After Hyperbaric Sessions? Here’s Why
Feeling tired after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is completely normal and affects most patients.
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Feeling tired after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is completely normal and affects most patients. The reason is because your body is processing oxygen levels up to ten times higher than usual, which triggers increased metabolic activity and healing responses.
During a 75-90 minute session, your tissues become saturated with oxygen, leading to repair processes that can naturally drain your energy. Think of it as your body working overtime to heal – the fatigue actually signals that the treatment is working effectively.
While temporary tiredness might be uncomfortable, it’s a small trade-off for the powerful healing benefits you’ll uncover through HBOT treatment.
Why You Might Feel Tired After HBOT Session?
Feeling tired after a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session is pretty common, and there are a few reasons why this happens. To understand this, let’s talk about what goes on in your body during and after an HBOT session.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment where you breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized room or a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.
This high-pressure environment allows your lungs to take in more oxygen than usual, which helps your blood carry more oxygen to your organs and tissues.
This can be super helpful for healing wounds, fighting infections, and improving overall health.
Causes of Fatigue After HBOT
- Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing in too much pure oxygen can sometimes lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity. This can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Basically, the high levels of oxygen can put stress on your cells, which might leave you feeling worn out. [1]
- Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity (POT): Although HBOT is generally safe, it can sometimes lead to pulmonary oxygen toxicity, where the high oxygen levels affect your lungs. This condition might cause inflammation and changes in the compounds you breathe out, which could make you feel tired. [2]
- Central Nervous System Effects: HBOT can also change how your brain works. It affects brain activity and metabolism, which can lead to fatigue as your body adjusts. Think of it like a workout for your brain – it might make you feel tired afterward. [3]
- Metabolic Changes: The therapy can change how your muscles and brain use energy. These changes can make you feel temporarily tired while your body adapts. For example, your brain might use glucose (sugar) differently, and your muscles might feel fatigued even if their strength hasn’t changed. [4]
- Inflammatory Responses: HBOT can trigger anti-inflammatory effects in your body. While inflammation is part of healing, processing these changes can initially make you feel tired. [2]
Why Is This Important?
Even though feeling tired after HBOT is pretty normal, it’s good to know why it happens. Understanding these reasons can help you manage your expectations and plan for some rest after your sessions.
Plus, it shows how your body is working hard to get the benefits of the therapy.
Related: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits
Other Common Symptoms After Treatment
Although Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is generally considered a safe treatment, patients commonly experience a range of side effects – other than fatigue – that are typically mild.
The most common side effects include ear discomfort and barotrauma, due to pressure changes affecting the middle ear and sinuses. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Other frequent side effects are claustrophobia and anxiety, which can occur during treatment sessions. [6] [8] [9]
Common Side Effects of HBOT
- Ear Discomfort and Barotrauma: Ear pain or discomfort is the most frequently reported side effect, often due to difficulties in equalizing pressure in the middle ear. This can sometimes lead to barotraumatic lesions. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
- Claustrophobia and Anxiety: Some patients experience claustrophobia or anxiety during treatment, which may require reassurance or sedation. [6] [8] [9]
- Oxygen Toxicity: This can manifest as central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, leading to seizures, or pulmonary toxicity, causing symptoms like cough and dyspnea. These are rare but more serious side effects. [6] [7] [8] [10]
- Visual Disturbances: Myopia and other ocular effects, such as cataract growth, can occur, particularly with prolonged treatment. [6] [8]
- Pulmonary Effects: Pulmonary edema and dyspnea have been reported, though they are less common. [6] [8] [10]
Less Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal Issues: In some cases, HBOT has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal complications from radiation therapy, but it can also cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. [11]
- Hypoglycemia: Particularly in diabetic patients, hypoglycemia can occur during sessions, necessitating careful monitoring. [7] [9]
While these symptoms are typically mild, it’s important to watch for more serious signs. If you experience severe chest pain, unusual breathing difficulties, or seizure-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Also, most side effects resolve within hours, but proper monitoring guarantees your safety throughout the treatment process.
Check Also: 8 Best Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chamber For Sale
How Your Body Processes Oxygen
The process of oxygen delivery during hyperbaric therapy is remarkably different from normal breathing.
Your body receives pure oxygen under pressure, which dissolves directly into your blood plasma. This increases your oxygen levels far beyond what’s possible with regular breathing. Patients see enhanced stem cell production during treatment as their bodies respond to the elevated oxygen levels. [12]
| Process | Normal Breathing | HBOT |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen % | 21% | 100% |
| Pressure | 1 ATA | 2-3 ATA |
| Delivery Method | Hemoglobin Only | Hemoglobin + Plasma |
| Saturation Level | 95-98% | Up to 1500% |
| Cell Absorption | Standard | Improved |
Your cells utilize this extra oxygen to power healing processes and energy production. White blood cells become more active, helping fight infections.
Your body’s repair mechanisms kick into high gear, using the abundant oxygen to create new blood vessels and tissues. This improved oxygen delivery continues working even after your session ends.
Many patients find they can watch TV or nap during these two-hour sessions while their body processes the increased oxygen.
Tips for Better Recovery
Managing your recovery after hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires a balanced approach that combines rest, hydration, and mindful monitoring.
To optimize your healing process, you’ll need to pay attention to both physical and mental aspects of recovery.
- Take deep breaths and rest for 15-20 minutes after each session
- Drink at least 8-10 ounces of water or electrolyte drink immediately after treatment
- Monitor your energy levels and adjust daily activities accordingly
- Keep a recovery journal to track symptoms and progress
Your body needs time to adjust to the pressure changes and increased oxygen levels.
Check Also: Top 7 Affordable Hyperbaric Chambers Suitable for Home Use
When to Contact Your Doctor
Safety during hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires vigilance and prompt communication with your healthcare provider when certain symptoms arise. While fatigue is common, other symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
| Symptom Category | Warning Signs | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Ear/Sinus | Pain, pressure, hearing changes | Contact doctor same day |
| Vision | Blurriness, changes in acuity | Seek immediate care |
| Emergency | Seizures, chest pain, collapse | Call 911 or go to ER |
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you experience persistent ear discomfort or vision changes after treatment. Watch for serious complications like seizures or breathing difficulties, though these are rare.
Check Also: 11 Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers For Clinics, Hospitals and Wellness Centers
Long-Term Benefits Vs Temporary Tiredness
Despite the temporary fatigue you might experience after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the long-term benefits typically outweigh the short-term discomfort.
Research shows that HBOT’s positive effects can last up to 12 months, supporting your body’s healing processes long after treatment ends. [13]
Some Science-backed benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy include:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) offers a variety of benefits supported by scientific research. Below is a comprehensive list of the key benefits associated with HBOT:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Slow Down Aging Process | Increases telomere length, a biomarker of aging, by up to 20%. Research shows significant telomere length increases after just two months of treatment. |
| Helps You Live Longer | Improves mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production and longevity. Studies indicate enhanced cellular metabolism and reduced effects of aging. |
| Boost the Immune System | Increases production of white blood cells and antibodies, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections. A single session can significantly boost immune response. |
| Reduce Inflammation | Effective in lowering inflammatory markers, which are linked to aging and various diseases. Single sessions have shown to reduce inflammation in the body. |
| Improve Blood Circulation | Enhances circulation by encouraging new blood vessel formation and reducing oxidative stress, leading to better oxygen delivery to tissues. |
| Improve Athletic Performance | Increases oxygen availability to muscles, improving energy production and reducing fatigue; accelerates recovery from exercise. |
| Increased Energy Levels | Surrounds the body with pure oxygen, which boosts energy levels and improves overall quality of life, including better sleep and mental clarity. |
| Decrease Muscle Soreness | Aids in quicker recovery from strenuous activities by increasing oxygen supply to muscles and reducing inflammation. |
| Heals Wounds and Injuries | Shown to be effective in healing burns, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other injuries by enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues. |
| Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | May improve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), providing relief for affected individuals. |
| Detoxify the Body | Assists in removing toxins from the bloodstream, including carbon monoxide and heavy metals, thereby promoting detoxification. |
| Ease Joint Pain | May help alleviate joint pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; further research is needed for conclusive evidence. |
| Improve Brain Function | Enhances cognitive functions such as memory and attention; beneficial for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or signs of aging-related cognitive decline. |
These benefits show the potential of HBOT as a therapeutic intervention for various health conditions while promoting overall well-being.
Conclusion
While feeling tired after hyperbaric oxygen therapy is common, you’ll likely find it’s temporary. Keep in mind that your body’s working overtime to heal and process the increased oxygen levels.
You can minimize fatigue by staying hydrated, getting proper rest between sessions, and following your doctor’s recommendations.
The long-term healing benefits of HBOT typically outweigh the short-term fatigue, but don’t hesitate to discuss persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider.
To learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, check our HBOT resources page.
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