[Medical Q&A] Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy improve sleep quality?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Yu Qiuhong, Chief Physician, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown some potential in improving sleep quality, but the specific effects vary from person to person.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood and promotes more efficient delivery of oxygen to various tissues and organs throughout the body, which helps relieve physical fatigue and mental tension caused by hypoxia. For patients with sleep disorders caused by long-term stress, anxiety or chronic fatigue syndrome, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help relax the body and mind and lay the foundation for high-quality sleep.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also promote the balance of brain neurotransmitters, especially the synthesis and release of substances such as serotonin and melatonin, which are closely related to sleep regulation. These neurotransmitters play a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, so hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve sleep quality by adjusting the levels of these substances.

It is worth noting that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not a panacea for sleep problems. Each person's physical constitution and the cause of sleep disorders are different, so the treatment effect will also vary. Before undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to understand your physical condition and treatment indications.