Why Do I Feel Tired After Reflexology?

It’s quite common to feel sleepy, heavy, or emotionally washed out after a reflexology session. For many people, this can be surprising — especially if they expected to feel energised — but it’s usually a normal and short-lived response.

In most cases, post-treatment tiredness is simply a sign that the body has moved into a deeper state of relaxation.

What’s going on in the body?

Reflexology is associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes described as the body’s “rest and repair” mode. This is the part of the nervous system responsible for calming the body down after stress.

When parasympathetic activity increases, things like heart rate and blood pressure may slow slightly, muscles can soften, and the body is given space to rest and rebalance. For people who have been under ongoing stress, juggling long hours, poor sleep, pain, or emotional strain, this shift can feel quite noticeable.

If your system has been running on adrenaline for a while, deep relaxation can feel like fatigue. Rather than being a negative effect, it’s often the body finally stepping out of “push through” mode.

What does research suggest?

*Research into reflexology has found physiological changes that are consistent with relaxation and nervous system regulation. Studies looking at heart rate patterns, blood pressure, and stress-related measures have shown signs of increased parasympathetic activity following reflexology sessions.

Improvements in relaxation and sleep quality have also been reported in a range of settings, including cancer care, maternity services, and general wellbeing clinics. While everyone responds differently, these findings suggest reflexology may help support the body’s ability to settle and regulate itself.

It’s important to be clear that reflexology is considered a complementary therapy. It does not diagnose or treat medical conditions, and responses vary from person to person. It is commonly used to support relaxation and wellbeing alongside appropriate medical care.

How to support yourself after a reflexology session

If you do feel tired afterwards, a few simple steps can help:

• Drink water as you normally would

• Avoid caffeine or alcohol for a short time after your session

• Rest if you can — even a quiet hour without demands can make a difference

Most people find that any tiredness passes naturally and is often followed by better sleep or a general sense of calm later in the day.

A final thought

Feeling tired after reflexology isn’t your body “crashing” — it’s often your body finally slowing down. In a world where many of us spend far too much time switched on, that pause can be both unfamiliar and deeply restorative.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy and is not intended to replace medical treatment. Please continue to follow the advice of your GP or healthcare team.

*Research into reflexology's effects

• McVicar, A., et al. (2007). Reflexology for anxiety: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 13(3), 165–173.

• Quattrin, R., et al. (2006). Effects of foot reflexology on anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients. Cancer Nursing, 29(5), 374–381.

• Hodgson, H., et al. (2007). The effects of reflexology on salivary cortisol in healthy adults. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 109–115.

• Chen, H.-Y., et al. (2019). Reflexology improves heart rate variability and parasympathetic activity in healthy adults. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 16(3).

• Wang, J., et al. (2003). The effect of foot reflexology on autonomic nervous system activity measured by heart rate variability. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9(4), 50–57.

• Lee, S.-H., et al. (2011). Effects of reflexology on salivary cortisol and perceived stress in patients undergoing haemodialysis: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(3), 231–237.

• Tsay, S.-L., & Chen, M.-L. (2003). The effect of reflexology on sleep quality of patients with end-stage renal disease. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 44(3), 293–299.