Fatigue After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Is It Normal?
Some patients feel tired after HBOT sessions, especially in the first week. This usually resolves. Here's why it happens and when to call your care team.
Fatigue After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Is It Normal?
Yes, fatigue after HBOT sessions is common, particularly in the first week. For most patients, it’s mild and temporary. It doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working.
Why HBOT Can Cause Fatigue
HBOT triggers real biological activity. At the cellular level, it kickstarts processes like angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), collagen production, and shifts in inflammatory signaling. These take energy.
Think of it like the fatigue after physical therapy. The body is responding to a stimulus. The tiredness isn’t a warning sign. It’s the body doing work.
The first several sessions are typically when fatigue is strongest. Many patients report that energy improves noticeably around session 10-15 as the body adapts.
When It Usually Resolves
For most patients in wound care or radiation injury protocols, fatigue from sessions eases within the first week of treatment. By mid-protocol, most patients feel better than when they started.
If fatigue persists beyond two weeks of treatment and isn’t improving, that’s worth discussing with your hyperbaric physician.
Neurological Patients: The Mid-Protocol Dip
Patients being treated for neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury and long COVID, sometimes notice a temporary worsening of fatigue or cognitive function around sessions 10-20. Some research on neurological HBOT protocols mentions this pattern.
This dip, when it occurs, typically resolves as treatment continues. But it can be alarming if you don’t expect it. If you’re in a neurological protocol and experience a significant increase in fatigue or symptom burden mid-treatment, tell your care team. Don’t stop treatment without discussing it first.
Sleeping After Sessions
Napping after HBOT is completely fine. Many patients find they sleep better at night during a treatment course. If you need to rest after sessions, plan for it. Don’t schedule demanding activities immediately after your appointment, especially early in treatment.
When to Call Your Care Team
Mild tiredness after sessions is normal. These symptoms are not:
- Severe fatigue that keeps you in bed
- Extreme weakness or feeling you can’t stand
- Nausea alongside fatigue
- Feeling significantly worse overall compared to before starting HBOT
If any of those happen, contact your hyperbaric physician before your next session. Don’t push through significant worsening without a clinical check.
FAQ
Q: Is it normal to feel tired after HBOT? Yes. Mild fatigue in the first week is common. It reflects normal cellular activity triggered by treatment.
Q: How long does fatigue last? Usually eases in the first week. Most patients feel better by mid-protocol. Persistent fatigue beyond two weeks is worth discussing with your physician.
Q: Should I stop HBOT if I feel tired? Not without talking to your care team first. Mild tiredness is expected. Severe fatigue or nausea warrants a call before your next session.
Q: Can I nap after sessions? Yes. Rest as needed. Many patients build rest time into their schedule for the first week.
Related: Side Effects of HBOT | How Long to See Results | Your First HBOT Session
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy must be prescribed and supervised by a licensed physician. Always consult your care team about your specific situation. This site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.