Fatigue and exhaustion in diving: diagnosis and treatment

Tiredness in diving is not the same as tiredness in running. In the water, ignored tiredness has more serious consequences.

Types of tiredness in diving

Muscle tiredness
The legs hurt from a long dive, and this is normal. It requires rest between dives and enough hydration.

Cardiorespiratory tiredness
Rapid breathing and a high heart rate even after ascent to the surface is a warning signal.

Psychological exhaustion
Difficulty concentrating, laxity with safety rules, and lack of interest in what is around you is a dangerous signal.

Mandatory signs to stop

• Breathing faster than usual at rest
• Mild dizziness or blurred vision
• Unfamiliar pain in the chest or limbs
• A changing mood and difficulty making simple decisions

Correct recovery

• Drink at least 500 ml of water after every long dive
• Suitable rest of at least the same duration as the dive
• A light meal that returns blood sugar to the normal range

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The body speaks. The wise diver listens and stops before being forced to stop.