Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cognitive Function

Discover how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can enhance cognitive clarity, reduce fatigue & support mood for lasting brain health.

July 18th, 2025

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for cognitive health, clarity and lasting energy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A New Frontier for Cognitive Health, Clarity & Lasting Energy

It’s no secret that in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, fatigue and mental decline have become the silent epidemics of our age. Even the most successful, driven individuals, regardless of profession, find themselves wrestling with persistent brain fog, low mood, and a sense that their sharpest cognitive edge is slipping.

But what if the key to restoring mental clarity and resilience wasn’t found in another nootropic pill, but in something far more fundamental: oxygen?

At Expand Health, we’re seeing how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), traditionally used for wound healing, inflammation and decompression sickness, is rapidly gaining ground as a powerful tool for cognitive optimisation, fatigue recovery, and emotional well-being.

Why fatigue and mental decline are the modern diseases of our time?

Chronic fatigue, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety and low mood — these aren’t just isolated symptoms. They’re interconnected signs that your brain and body may be under sustained metabolic and inflammatory stress.

In fact, nearly 1 in 3 adults globally report persistent fatigue that interferes with their daily life.¹

Cognitive complaints, including memory lapses and brain fog, affect up to 40% of adults over 50, yet they increasingly appear in younger high-performing professionals.²

A growing body of research now links chronic fatigue and cognitive slowdown with oxidative stress and micro-inflammation in the brain — areas that hyperbaric oxygen may directly influence.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy supports your brain & mood

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing close to 100% oxygen in a comfortable pressurised chamber, where air pressure is increased up to 2.5 times normal levels. Thisallows oxygen to dissolve directly into your plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and lymph — reaching areas of the brain that may be under-oxygenated.

This heightened oxygenation is not just about more energy; it’s a catalyst for profound biological processes, including:

Stimulating neurogenesis:
HBOT has been shown to promote the growth of new neurons and enhance synaptic plasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections. A landmark study published in Aging found that older adults undergoing a series of HBOT sessions demonstrated significant improvements in attention, information processing speed and executive function.³

Reducing neuroinflammation:
Excess inflammation is increasingly seen as a root cause of cognitive decline and mood disorders. HBOT has been shown to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, effectively “cooling the fire.”⁴

Enhancing mitochondrial function:
Mitochondria — your cellular power plants — are critical for producing ATP – the currency of brain energy. Research reveals HBOT upregulates mitochondrial biogenesis and function, helping combat the sluggishness and cognitive fog tied to energy deficits.⁵

Balancing neurotransmitters:
Some emerging studies also indicate HBOT may help modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, positively influencing mood and reducing anxiety.⁶

HBOT for anxiety, depression & stress resilience

The relationship between oxygen and emotional health is profound. Under stress, the brain’s oxygen consumption can spike by over 20%, while local hypoxia (areas of lower oxygen) can drive anxiety-like behaviours. By improving oxygen delivery to key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (primarily associated with memory and learning, specifically the formation of new memories and spatial navigation), HBOT supports more balanced mood regulation.

A controlled trial published in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine demonstrated that patients with treatment-resistant depression showed significant mood improvements after a series of HBOT sessions.⁷

Another pilot study found that individuals with generalised anxiety disorder reported reduced symptoms and improved resilience following hyperbaric treatments.⁸

Unlike stimulants or temporary biohacks, HBOT tackles fatigue and cognitive slowdown at a foundational level by:

Replenishing oxygen-starved tissues
Reducing systemic and neural inflammation
Supporting the repair of microvascular damage
Enhancing mitochondrial energy production

This makes it an appealing choice not just for those recovering from illness or injury, but for anyone investing proactively in their long-term cognitive vitality.

In a world where mental clarity is your greatest asset - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a uniquely natural way to nurture your brain, elevate your mood, and restore deep, lasting energy. It’s an investment not only in how well you think and feel today, but in how you’ll navigate the decades ahead.

Experience the power of oxygen at Expand Health, Cape Town

At our longevity hub in De Waterkant, we integrate HBOT into comprehensive health programmes tailored to your unique biology and life demands. Whether you’re seeking to sharpen focus for high-stakes decision-making, rebuild resilience after burnout, or support healthy ageing, our team of Holistic Health Practitioners can guide you through a personalised approach that puts cognitive performance front and centre.

Explore our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy packages to keep your mind sharp and learn more about our state-of-the-art Somadome Meditation Pod to keep your stress levels balanced.