Does Vaping Make You Tired?

Vaping has seen a rapid rise in popularity over the past decade, serving as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. However, questions about its effects on health have also increased. One query that pops up frequently: does vaping make you tired?

From the get-go, it’s important to note that there's no direct evidence to suggest that vaping alone can make you tired. In a world where labels are king, you’d expect a product that could induce fatigue to come with a big red warning, akin to those found on certain over-the-counter medicines.

Vaping devices or e-cigarettes themselves do not inherently contain any substances that would result in a reduction in energy or an increase in tiredness. Paradoxically, those who vape e-liquids containing nicotine might even experience a temporary surge in energy levels. That's because nicotine acts as a stimulant, much like caffeine, and can boost your energy levels temporarily.

However, if you're feeling tired after vaping, it's possible that the nicotine withdrawal effects could be at play. When your body craves nicotine and doesn't get it, you may feel a lack of focus, depression, and even exhaustion - all of which can contribute to a feeling of tiredness.

While vaping itself doesn't directly cause fatigue, it can indirectly affect your energy levels. Here's why:

Nicotine Dependency and Sleep Disruption

Nicotine dependency is one of the main reasons for feeling fatigued after vaping. The nicotine in your vape juice doesn't inherently make you tired, but it can significantly affect your sleep patterns. Nicotine-induced sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and REM sleep suppression, have been documented in numerous studies.

A disruption in your sleep schedule due to nicotine dependency can lead to chronic tiredness, anxiety, and other withdrawal symptoms. In this scenario, the tiredness you feel the next day after vaping is not due to the vape putting you to sleep, but rather, it's the result of it keeping you awake.

Incorrect Inhaling Techniques

Inappropriate inhalation techniques can also contribute to feelings of tiredness. Research into chronic lung diseases like COPD demonstrates a correlation between oxygen deficiency and fatigue.

If you notice that you're feeling tired after vaping, it's worth monitoring your inhalation technique. You might be taking deep draws and holding them for too long, which could lead to a reduction in oxygen levels, thereby causing exhaustion.

The Comfort of Habitual Vaping

Often, habitual vaping creates a sense of comfort and relaxation. After the establishment of this association, vaping can induce a sense of relaxation or even euphoria that is sometimes mistaken for fatigue.

If you're feeling fatigued after vaping, here are a few strategies you might want to consider:

Take a Break from Vaping: One strategy is to pause your vaping habit for a while. This break could help reset your system, and you might observe changes in your sleep patterns and overall energy levels.

Switch to Nicotine-Free E-Liquids: Another option is to try nicotine-free e-liquids. If the fatigue is caused by nicotine withdrawal, vaping without nicotine could help maintain your energy levels.