Is it common to feel exhausted physically even after sleeping when having done EMDR a couple days prior?

Yes, it is common to feel physically and emotionally exhausted even after sleeping following an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) session, even a couple of days later. EMDR can process deeply held emotional and psychological trauma, which may temporarily impact the body as well as the mind.

Here’s why this might happen:

1. Emotional Processing: EMDR sessions can bring up intense emotions, requiring significant mental energy to process and integrate these experiences. Your brain continues to process memories and emotions after the session, which can drain your energy.

2. Physical Impact of Stress Release: Trauma is often lives in the body and processing it through EMDR may lead to physical sensations such as fatigue as your body “unwinds” stored tension and adjusts.

3. Nervous System Reset: EMDR works with the brain’s natural healing processes, and this can temporarily alter your nervous system, sometimes leading to feelings of tiredness as your system seeks balance.

4. Delayed Effects: The brain continues to process the trauma after the session is over. The aftereffects that emerge days later include fatigue, vivid dreams, or emotional shifts.

To support your recovery:
• Ensure you’re staying hydrated.
• Eat nourishing foods to replenish energy.
• Engage in gentle movement or relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
• Allow yourself additional rest if needed.

If exhaustion persists or is significantly affecting your daily life, consider discussing it with your therapist for additional support.