Why you may feel tired after ketamine treatment
Understanding Post-Ketamine Fatigue: Why You Could Feel Sleepy After a Ketamine Treatment
Have you ever wondered why you could feel sleepy after a ketamine treatment? It's a common question among individuals exploring the world of sublingual ketamine therapy. We will unravel the reasons behind post-ketamine fatigue, share insights on how to manage it, and examine scientific research shedding light on ketamine's influence on energy levels.
Before we dive in, it's essential to clarify that the information presented here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you find yourself experiencing prolonged sleepiness or fatigue following ketamine treatments, we strongly recommend consulting with the specialist who administered your treatment.
Why You Could Feel Sleepy After a Ketamine Treatment
Feeling tired after a ketamine treatment is something that many individuals encounter. While not everyone experiences this side effect, it's not unusual to feel sleepy after your session. This might seem counterintuitive, especially if you've heard about ketamine's potential to provide an energy boost, which we'll delve into shortly. If you find yourself in a state of post-ketamine drowsiness, rest assured that you've done nothing wrong in your preparation process.
To begin with, it's important to understand that ketamine is an anesthetic, which naturally contributes to a sense of grogginess after your treatment. This is why it's strongly advised against driving or operating machinery immediately after a session. Virtually everyone experiences some degree of post-treatment grogginess, though the intensity and duration can vary from person to person and from one treatment to another.
Now, let's explore the unique ketamine journey itself. Over the years, through numerous ketamine treatments, many patients have reported a profound sense of losing track of time and space. After all, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. Some patients have described it as living an entire lifetime within minutes. You might have felt like you were transported to different worlds or dimensions, experiencing so much that it left you feeling drained. Just like vacations can be both energizing and tiring, ketamine journeys can have a similar effect, with outcomes varying from person to person.
Reconnecting With Your Body After Ketamine
Another intriguing aspect of ketamine therapy is the reconnection it fosters between individuals and their bodies and emotions. Over time, various life experiences may have compelled you to disconnect from your body as a survival mechanism. Pushing down true emotions might have been necessary for survival at certain points in your life. While these coping mechanisms were once adaptive and understandable, they can become maladaptive over time. Ketamine treatments often result in a reset of your nervous system's receptors, facilitating this reconnection. Additionally, the psychedelic experience during ketamine therapy can enhance your awareness of the signals your body is sending you.
This newfound ability to feel emotions and attune to your body might reveal underlying fatigue that you've been carrying for an extended period. You might have suppressed your body's signals to rest for so long that ketamine finally allowed you to receive and acknowledge those messages. Many patients discover a newfound appreciation for self-care and the importance of prioritizing sleep after undergoing ketamine therapy. It's essential to acknowledge and embrace your body's need for rest after ketamine treatment.
How to Address Post-Ketamine Fatigue
Now that we've established that post-ketamine fatigue is a normal occurrence, let's explore how you can effectively manage it. Firstly, anticipate that you might need some rest. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid scheduling any physically or energetically demanding activities immediately after your treatment or on the following day. Secondly, if you do experience fatigue, embrace it rather than resist it. Remember, what we resist often persists. Consider it a sign to pause, rest, and recharge. Prioritizing rest and relaxation is crucial during this time. If you feel sleepy, allow yourself to sleep. For those who are tired but not necessarily sleepy, consider spending some quiet time in a serene park, perhaps sitting under a tree. Engaging in journaling or creative activities to reflect on your transformative ketamine experience can also be highly therapeutic.
What Research Reveals About Ketamine's Influence on Energy Levels
So, what does scientific research have to say about ketamine's impact on energy levels? One study found that individuals with bipolar disorder reported experiencing less fatigue after receiving ketamine compared to a placebo. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving bipolar disorder, participants who received ketamine treatment reported reduced fatigue levels when compared to those who received a placebo. Researchers hypothesized that this effect might be attributed to ketamine's influence on glutamate receptors, as ketamine is known to be an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist.
Another study linked ketamine's anti-fatigue benefits for depression to improved motivation and mood. While some patients may feel more tired for 24-48 hours following a ketamine treatment, many report experiencing a brighter outlook. Some individuals even find themselves energized enough to incorporate exercise into their post-treatment integration process. This phenomenon might feel familiar, akin to the increased energy one often experiences after spending time with enjoyable company or engaging in fun activities.
Understanding Why You May Feel Tired After a Ketamine Treatment
In summary, feeling tired after a ketamine treatment is a multifaceted experience that can be attributed to various factors. Ketamine's nature as an anesthetic can induce grogginess, while the profound journey it offers can be both mentally draining and spiritually invigorating. Moreover, ketamine therapy often leads to a reconnection between individuals and their bodies, unmasking emotions and fatigue that were previously suppressed. If you find yourself experiencing fatigue or sleepiness after a ketamine treatment, understanding the reasons behind it can help you manage it effectively. Remember to prioritize rest, embrace any feelings of tiredness, and engage in self-care activities to support your post-treatment well-being. And know that you're on a transformative journey of healing; be patient with your body, and restoration will come.
References:
Saligan LN, Luckenbaugh DA, Slonena EE, Machado-Vieira R, Zarate CA Jr. An assessment of the anti-fatigue effects of ketamine from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord. 2016 Apr;194:115-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.009. Epub 2016 Jan 19.
Saligan LN, Farmer C, Ballard ED, Kadriu B, Zarate CA Jr. Disentangling the association of depression on the anti-fatigue effects of ketamine. J Affect Disord. 2019 Feb 1;244:42-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.10.089. Epub 2018 Oct 6.