Why Do I Feel So Tired After Getting a Massage? Answers Here

Feeling Fatigued After a Massage? Here's Why

It's common to feel extra sleepy and tired after getting a massage. While a good massage is meant to relax both body and mind, some people are surprised when fatigue lingers for hours or even days afterwards. If you find yourself wondering "why am I so tired after a massage?" you're not alone.

Massage Releases Built-Up Tension

One of the main reasons a massage makes you tired relates to the release of tension you've accumulated in your muscles. When your body holds on to stress and tightness for extended periods, it causes fatigue. A massage therapist uses techniques like kneading, stretching, and applying pressure to relax the tension in your muscles. This allows blood and oxygen to flow more freely through your previously restricted tissues.

Releasing all this pent-up tension is a big job, though - essentially, your body works hard during the massage. This leads to it needing extra rest to recover afterwards. The rush of relaxation also naturally makes you feel sleepy directly after the massage.

Massage Promotes Circulation

As a massage therapist works the muscles and other soft tissues of your body, blood circulation improves. New oxygenated blood flows to your muscles, transporting away metabolic waste products. This influx of nutrients paired with the release of tension allows your whole body to recharge.

However, all this increased blood flow directed to your muscles can leave you feeling temporarily drained. Your heartbeat may slow and your blood pressure decreases, both of which can increase drowsiness. As your circulation returns to normal over the next day or so, that drained feeling dissipates.

Massage Triggers Hormone Release

Getting a good massage also prompts your brain to release a couple key hormones that contribute to feeling relaxed and sleepy.

One of these is serotonin, one of your main "happy hormones." It produces feelings of bliss and contentment. At the same time, your body releases dopamine, another feel-good chemical. This dopamine rush makes you feel sleepy once it wears off after the massage.

Your massage therapist kneading your muscles also causes your brain to produce endorphins. These hormones act as natural pain relievers while also lulling your body into a state of calm euphoria. Their sedative effect is why many people feel extra tired in that blissful after-massage glow.

Other Factors That Contribute to Massage Fatigue

On top of releasing muscle tension, boosting circulation, and triggering comforting hormones, a few other elements tie into feeling tired after massage therapy:

The Massage Environment

Most massage spaces use strategic environmental cues to promote relaxation. Dim mood lighting, soft music, and aromatherapy scents all help create a calm, restful atmosphere. Your massage therapist wants you as relaxed as possible during your treatment.

However, this ambient environment often ends up making clients even sleepier. Your body has time to process all those sensory cues designed specifically to relax you. Transitioning back to normal lighting, noises, and scents after the massage then exacerbates fatigue.

Dehydration Effects

Lying still while someone works your muscles often leads to fluid loss through perspiration. Getting a deep tissue massage or other intensive treatment can also cause internal tissues to release stored water. This mild dehydration leaves you tired out.

Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your massage to counteract these effects. Proper hydration energizes cells and prevents the zonked out feeling that comes with dehydration.

Your Unique Body Chemistry

Some people also just tend to experience more intense after-massage fatigue based on their body chemistry. Factors like hormones, neurotransmitter balance, circulation efficiency, pain tolerance, and sleep needs all vary.

If you find even light massages wipe you out, your individual physical make-up may predispose you to strong drowsiness. Discuss your concerns with your massage therapist - they may recommend adjustments like avoiding certain intensities or shortening sessions.

Tips to Prevent After-Massage Fatigue

While some lingering tiredness is perfectly normal, excessive fatigue and drowsiness can get in the way of daily responsibilities. Use these self-care tips to help energize your body after a massage:

Time Your Session Strategically

Try to book massages for earlier in the day if possible. This gives your body more time to recover its energy levels afterward before bedtime. It also prevents staying up later or napping and disrupting your sleep schedule.

Stretch and Hydrate Post-Massage

Gentle movements stimulate circulation to nourish your newly relaxed muscles. Even just flexing your toes, curling your fingers, or rotating your wrists and ankles can help. Post-massage stretches maintain supple muscles while getting blood flowing.

Drinking electrolyte-rich sports drinks or coconut water also rehydrates your cells. Water is important too, but replenishing essential minerals lost through sweating is very energizing.

Listen to Upbeat Music

Vibey, lively music resets your energy centers after a massage. Turn on a motivating playlist during your commute home or while doing chores later. Let the songs with a faster tempo and upbeat lyrics boost your mood and alertness.

Eat a Nourishing Snack

Refuel your body after a massage with a healthy, protein-rich snack like nuts, Greek yogurt, or half an avocado toast. The nutrients give you sustained energy. But beware heavy comfort foods that lead to brain fog and food comas!

If you frequently feel overtired, lethargic, or sleepy for over 24 hours post-massage, check in with your doctor. Chronic fatigue may signal vitamin deficiencies, poor sleep, underlying illness, or other issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.