Reviewed by: Elizabeth Chan, NP (Medical Director, MD Hyperbaric)
Spring is supposed to feel like a reset. But if you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, whether from fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long COVID, or another ongoing condition, this season can feel like the opposite. The exhaustion gets heavier. The pain ramps up. And the distance between the life you want and the life you’re actually living feels like it’s getting wider.
Here’s the thing: you’re not making it up. There are real, biological reasons why spring makes chronic fatigue worse. And there’s a real therapy that can help.
Why Spring Makes Chronic Fatigue Worse
When the seasons shift, your body has to adjust in ways that most healthy people never even notice, but that can hit hard when your system is already struggling. Your sleep-wake cycle shifts with the changing daylight, which throws off cortisol (your body’s stress and energy hormone). Changes in air pressure can dial up pain signals. And the immune activation from spring allergens can worsen the low-level brain inflammation that many chronic fatigue researchers now believe is at the root of the condition.
At the deepest level, the problem comes down to your cells’ ability to make energy. Inside every cell are tiny structures called mitochondria. Think of them as batteries. In chronic fatigue conditions, those batteries aren’t charging properly, so your cells can’t produce enough fuel (called ATP) to keep up with even basic demands. That’s why getting out of bed can feel like running a marathon. When spring stressors pile on top of already-struggling mitochondria, the result is a flare.[3]
How HBOT Gets to the Root of the Problem
HBOT works by having you breathe pure oxygen under pressure, which saturates your blood with far more oxygen than normal breathing delivers. For someone with chronic fatigue, this matters because oxygen is the fuel your mitochondria need to produce energy. More oxygen means your cellular batteries can recharge more efficiently.
A clinical trial showed that HBOT reduced the severity of CFS symptoms and improved quality of life, with the benefits becoming clear over the course of 40 treatment sessions.[1] A separate randomized controlled trial found that patients with long COVID and persistent fatigue saw significant improvements in brain function, sleep, and mental health symptoms after HBOT.[2]
But the benefits go beyond energy. HBOT also calms brain inflammation by shifting the balance of immune signals away from the inflammatory side. It helps turn down “central sensitization,” which is when your nervous system gets stuck in a state of heightened sensitivity and everything hurts more than it should. And it triggers the release of growth factors that help damaged tissue and nerves repair themselves.[4]
Patients at MD Hyperbaric often describe it as “getting hours back in their day.” The afternoon crash lifts. The brain fog clears. The pain becomes something you can manage instead of something that manages you.
A Path Forward
Chronic fatigue is not a life sentence, and spring flares don’t have to set you back every year. If you’ve been struggling with exhaustion, pain, and brain fog, especially when the seasons change, HBOT offers a safe, non-invasive way to address what’s happening at the cellular level.
The first step is a conversation. Schedule a consultation at MD Hyperbaric and let’s figure out if HBOT is right for your situation. Getting your life back shouldn’t have to wait for the perfect season.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation at MD Hyperbaric to find out if HBOT is right for you.
References & Supporting Research
[1] Akarsu S, et al. “The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome.” Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine. 2013;40(2):197-200.
[2] Zilberman-Itskovich S, et al. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial.” Scientific Reports. 2022;12:11252.
[3] Hadanny A, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: Effects on Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress.” Biomolecules. 2022;12(1):12.
[4] Efrati S, Ben-Jacob E. “Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen.” Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2014;14(3):233-236.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Chan, NP (Medical Director, MD Hyperbaric)
Elizabeth Chan, NP, serves as Medical Director at MD Hyperbaric and reviews educational content for clinical accuracy, patient safety, and clarity. She supports evidence-informed care planning for people exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy for recovery, neurological symptoms, and wellness goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal recommendations and check with your insurance company for current policy details.