The pace of today's world can sometimes feel unrelenting, causing more people to look for innovative solutions to help them stay sharp, energised, and mentally resilient.

From high-pressure careers to long-term fatigue and stress, the demands on cognitive health have never been greater, especially in places like London.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a rising recovery option. Once reserved for specific medical conditions, HBOT is now making waves in the wellness space and is becoming one of our members' favourite recovery therapies.

But can HBOT really help with brain fog, energy, and mental clarity?

Let's explore how this oxygen-rich therapy works, who it may benefit, and how it fits into a modern recovery and performance lifestyle.

What Is HBOT and How Does It Work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves sitting or lying in a pressurised chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Our Hydroxy Airpod helps create a relaxing, comfortable, and controlled environment where oxygen is delivered at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressures.

The extra oxygen absorbed is then carried throughout the body by the bloodstream, helping to stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance energy production at the cellular level.

Oxygen plays a key role in brain function, and HBOT's ability to boost oxygen delivery makes it a compelling option for supporting cognitive health and improving focus through oxygen therapy for brain fog.

What Is Brain Fog and Why Do So Many People Experience It?

Brain fog isn't a medical diagnosis, but you've likely experienced it once before. It's that sense of mental cloudiness, where concentration feels difficult, short-term memory seems unreliable, and energy levels are unusually low.

This can make it challenging to get a good workout, focus on the task at hand, and generally get through the day effectively.

There are several known triggers, such as sleep deprivation, stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, and extended periods of physical or mental overload. Many people also report brain fog following viral infections or burnout.

These strain the body's ability to function at full capacity, especially in the brain. Reduced blood flow, oxidative stress, and inflammation can all play a role.

Can HBOT Improve Mental Clarity and Energy?

While the brain is roughly only 2% of our body weight, it uses approximately 20% of our resting total body oxygen supply. With that in mind, even minor enhancements in oxygen availability can influence how we think, focus, and feel.

HBOT increases oxygen saturation in the bloodstream, supporting mitochondrial function (the energy centres of our cells) and reducing inflammation that can interfere with brain performance. Some early studies have shown promising results in attention, memory, and overall mental function, especially in individuals experiencing fatigue or recovering from stress.

Studies have shown the efficacy of HBOT on neurologic processes and age-related cognitive decline. Although results vary by individual, many of our members mention feeling sharper and more energised after several sessions, particularly when HBOT is part of a regular wellness routine.

Similarly, HBOT has other surprising benefits, making it valuable for a range of different needs.

Who Might Benefit Most from HBOT for Cognitive Support?

While HBOT can support anyone's wellness journey, you may benefit even more when the goal is improved focus, clarity, and mental resilience.

Professionals Under Mental Strain

Executives, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals often operate under sustained cognitive pressure. HBOT offers a calming and restorative space to reset mentally, while improved oxygen delivery can help reduce fatigue and increase mental stamina over time.

Pairing HBOT with quick Whole-Body Cryotherapy can be strategic due to cryotherapy's mental benefits. Quick sessions help you fit in extra recovery into a busy schedule.

Post-Viral Recovery

Those recovering from illness or navigating long-term post-viral symptoms, such as brain fog and low energy, may find HBOT particularly helpful. Enhanced oxygenation supports healing at the cellular level, offering a supportive therapy during recovery periods.

Athletes and Performers

High performers who demand physical and mental output, such as athletes and dancers, can use HBOT to support quicker neurological recovery between training or events.

Many find that it enhances focus and composure alongside physical restoration. While these benefits are not exclusive to athletes and performers, they can prove especially valuable for them.

Burnout Recovery

If you've experienced prolonged emotional or physical exhaustion, HBOT may help you rebuild energy reserves. The calm environment combined with improved oxygen intake provides a foundation for reducing stress, regaining focus, and resetting mentally.

As a noninvasive, low-impact therapy, HBOT fits easily into a range of recovery and performance plans. An additional benefit is your ability to spend your time as you wish while undergoing the therapy.

Unlike other options that require you to engage with the therapy directly, HBOT only requires you to rest in the pod. This allows you to capitalise on extra recovery, while simultaneously catching up on sleep, reading, work, and more.

While many of our members use HBOT to relax and destress, many also use it to catch up on work or clear up miscellaneous tasks.

FAQs About HBOT for Mental Focus

How long before I feel the mental benefits of HBOT?

Many of our members note improvements after just a few sessions, though results are often more noticeable after multiple regular sessions.

Is HBOT safe for regular use?

Yes, HBOT is considered very safe for routine use when delivered in a controlled, professional setting, such as our membership club.

How often should I use HBOT to see mental clarity improvements?

We typically recommend 1–2 sessions per week as a starting point, with guidance available depending on your goals. Our team will also recommend incorporating HBOT into your existing routine for the best impact.

If you're a member, this could also mean working with our team to curate the perfect recovery routine that supports your goals.

Think Clearer and Feel More Energised with HBOT

If you're experiencing brain fog, low mental energy, or simply want to sharpen your focus, our HBOT sessions can be a powerful addition to your routine. It offers a unique experience while enabling you to use the recovery time for different tasks or to relax.

Experience HBOT first-hand by booking a session. Visit our HBOT page to learn more about its other benefits, what to expect from a session at our Kensington club, book a session, and more.

References:

Clarke, D.D. and Sokoloff, L. (1999). Regulation of Cerebral Metabolic Rate. Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects. 6th edition. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28194/.

Hachmo, Y., Hadanny, A., Abu Hamed, R., Daniel-Kotovsky, M., Catalogna, M., Fishlev, G., Lang, E., Polak, N., Doenyas, K., Friedman, M., Zemel, Y., Bechor, Y. and Efrati, S. (2020). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases telomere length and decreases immunosenescence in isolated blood cells : a prospective trial. Aging, [online] 12(22). Doi: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.202188.

Can HBOT Help with Brain Fog, Energy & Focus?