Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Always Make You Tired

Is it normal to feel tired after hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Answer

Yes, feeling a certain degree of fatigue after hyperbaric oxygen therapy is normal in many cases and is a sign that the body is responding positively.

Deep interpretation

High pressure oxygen therapy principle:

Patients inhale 100 percent pure oxygen in an atmosphere above one atmosphere, a high-pressure environment that dissolves more oxygen into the blood and body fluids, significantly increasing the oxygen content of body tissues.

There are many benefits of an oxygen bar to help promote wound healing, fight infection, reduce inflammation, and support cell repair and regeneration.

Physiological mechanism

When the body suddenly gets a lot of oxygen, it will trigger a series of physiological reactions.

• First of all, high concentration of oxygen will promote the metabolism of cells and accelerate the process of cell repair and regeneration in the body, which requires a lot of energy.
• Secondly, the high-pressure environment itself will have a certain impact on the body. Studies have shown that (insert external link here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8130666/) hyperbaric oxygen may help regulate nerve activity, thus inducing to a state of relaxation or even slight sedation, making people feel tired and even drowsy.
• In addition, a large amount of oxygen will stimulate the blood vessels to contract, and then relax, this process will also make the body feel tired. These are the normal reactions of the body in adapting to and using hyperbaric oxygen.

Common Causes of Feeling Tired

The feeling of relaxation that comes with the treatment itself:

The hyperbaric chamber provides a unique and quiet environment, so many people will feel very relaxed in it, even sleeping in hyperbaric chamber, which may cause the patient to continue to feel sleepy after leaving.

Impact of underlying disease:

Some patients suffer from chronic diseases and their physical functions are weak. Although HBOT will speed up the recovery process, it will also consume more physical strength and make patients feel tired.

Treatment duration and frequency:

The environment in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is relatively monotonous, and there are no recreational activities during the treatment, so it may be more likely to cause fatigue during long-term or more frequent treatment.

The repair work of the body:

Whether it is an injury, infection or chronic disease, the body is actively repairing during the treatment process. This is an energy-consuming process in itself, and patients are more likely to feel tired in this process.

Acceleration of metabolism:

Hyperbaric oxygen environment will accelerate the metabolism of cells, produce more energy, and may also produce more metabolic waste. The body needs extra energy to deal with these wastes, and will naturally feel tired in the process of high energy consumption.

difference between normal fatigue and abnormal fatigue

Normal fatigue:

It usually appears within a few hours after treatment, may last into the evening, and is usually relieved by rest or a good night’s sleep. This exhaustion is a sign that the body is actively working and is usually not accompanied by other discomforts.

Abnormal fatigue:

If the feeling of exhaustion is too strong or even too weak to get out of bed, lasts too long (for example, it cannot be relieved for more than 24 hours), or is accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, such as severe headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, abnormal mood, blurred vision or ear discomfort, it is not simply normal fatigue. Please consult your attending doctor.

How copes with fatigue after hbot

• Get plenty of rest: this is the most important thing. Only ensure adequate rest time to avoid fatigue during treatment.
•  Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps the body eliminate metabolic waste and promotes the body’s repair process.
•  Healthy diet: Balanced nutrition provides the body with the energy it needs. But at the same time be careful to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, which may worsen fatigue.
•  Moderate activity: Light activities, such as walking, can sometimes help relieve fatigue and improve blood circulation.
•  Schedule your treatment: If conditions permit, you can schedule your treatment in the afternoon so that you can go home and rest directly after the treatment.

When should you seek medical help

• Tiredness is extremely strong, affecting normal life and work.
• Tiredness lasts too long and cannot be relieved by rest.
• Accompanied by other new or worsening symptoms, such as severe headache, ear pain, nausea and vomiting, changes in vision or difficulty breathing.
• Be worried about the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy or have other concerns.

FAQ

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy addictive?

It won’t. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the type of physical therapy that does not produce any addiction.

Does exhaustion mean that the treatment is not working?

Not at all. Fatigue is usually a normal manifestation of the body’s response to treatment, but may indicate that the body is actively repairing and adapting.

How long will the feeling of fatigue last?

It is usually relieved within a few hours after treatment, and most patients will recover after the rest of the night. If it persists for more than 24 hours and does not improve, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Can I drive immediately after treatment?

If you feel very tired or dizzy, it is not recommended to drive immediately. It is best to take a break and make sure you are in good spirits before driving.

Can you sleep in a hyperbaric chamber? If you want to know more

Yes, but the process requires the care of professional medical staff.