You wanted to feel more relaxed or ease sore muscles - so why do I feel weird after an epsom salt bath? This is a question we see people ask all the time. There are a few potential causes, and there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a magnesium bath without the downsides.
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which has been used for decades to help loosen tense muscles and quiet a racing mind. But despite feeling soothing in warm water, it has its limitations. It doesn’t absorb as efficiently as other forms, and it can lead to:
- Lightheadedness
- Dehydration
- A foggy, “off” feeling
Sometimes, though, it’s not the epsom salt itself to blame. It could be the hot water, you might already be dehydrated going into the bath, or maybe you used too much epsom salt. Even just standing up too quickly post-soak can trigger dizziness.
The most reliable way to avoid that uncomfortable feeling is to upgrade the source of magnesium you’re using. Our magnesium bath soak formulas here at Flewd Stresscare use magnesium chloride hexahydrate instead, which is far gentler, more bioavailable, and versatile. Magnesium is paired with other targeted nutrients for stress, sleep, and recovery.
Get calm without the crash and switch to a better magnesium soak today.
Potential Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths
Warm water alone helps muscles loosen up, but epsom salt takes things a step further and really eases the tension. That’s because epsom salt is actually a form of magnesium, one of the most vital minerals for human health. It has over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Here are some potential benefits of epsom salt baths:
- Temporary relief from sore or tight muscles
- A general sense of relaxation after long or physically demanding days
- Stress reduction from warm water and quiet time
- Loosening stiff joints or areas that feel overworked
- A calming bedtime routine when used earlier in the evening
That said, the benefits are relatively short-lived and depend heavily on water temperature, soak time, and how much salt is used. Worse, some people find they feel weird after an epsom salt bath.
Why Do I Feel Weird After an Epsom Salt Bath?
Let’s get a little more specific, because “feeling weird” isn’t exactly a real symptom. You might be feeling lightheaded, fatigued, foggy, nauseated, shaky, or just drained. These are unfortunately not uncommon symptoms of epsom salt baths.
It doesn’t necessarily mean epsom salt is bad for you, and it’s usually not dangerous. We just need to narrow it down to a root cause.
Rapid Muscle Relaxation and Sudden Blood Pressure Shifts
Warm water already relaxes muscles and widens blood vessels. Add Epsom salt, and that relaxation can happen quite quickly. Blood pressure drops faster than expected, leading to dizziness or feeling faint - especially when you stand up out of the bathtub.
Dehydration From Hot Water and Mineral Loss
Hot baths make you sweat, even if you don’t notice it. That fluid loss can be compounded by minerals leaving the body, and you’re left more dehydrated than when you entered the tub. Dehydration often shows up as fatigue, headache, or a fuzzy, off-balance feeling.
Magnesium Sulfate’s Laxative-Like Effect on the Body
Each different type of magnesium, be it magnesium taurate vs glycinate or in this case sulfate, all have a unique effects profile. Unfortunately, epsom salt isn’t the best. Even when used topically, it can trigger systemic effects in sensitive people. That can translate into stomach unease, weakness, or that “washed out” sensation that feels more draining than restorative.
Overstimulating the Nervous System Instead of Calming it
Not everyone’s nervous system responds to magnesium sulfate by dialing down. Some people notice the opposite intended effect - they feel more ramped up, or “tired but wired.” This can be caused by the combination of heat, mineral load, and scent.
Using Too Much Epsom Salt at Once
Maybe epsom salt isn’t the problem. Rather, it’s how much of it you used. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, after all. This is pronounced when you are already tired, stressed, or low on fluids. The more you use it, the more likely you are to deal with lightheadedness, weakness, and post-bath discomfort.
How to Avoid Feeling Weird After an Epsom Salt Bath
Do you need to avoid the mineral altogether if you feel weird after epsom salt bath? Not necessarily. You just need to rethink how you’re using it. That said, you might find that you’re better off going with an epsom salt substitute like those available at Flewd Stresscare.
Lower the Water Temperature
Start by gauging just how hot the bath is. The goal isn’t to boil yourself alive. You just want warmth. Very hot water widens blood vessels too quickly and can lead to rapid blood pressure drops. This is where a lot of the dizziness and fatigue come from.
Reduce the Amount of Epsom Salt Used
Using more salt doesn’t mean better results. On the contrary, smaller amounts lower the chance of lightheadedness or that drained feeling afterward, especially if you’re new to mineral baths.
Shorten Your Soak Time
Long soaks can sneak up on you, compounding the dehydration factor. 15-20 minutes is usually plenty for your body to soak up the good stuff without overdoing it. If the water was hot when you got in the bath but now it’s cool, you have overstayed your welcome!
Hydrate Before and After the Bath
Drink water before getting in and again afterward. Ideally, you’d infuse some electrolytes into that water, too. Better yet, continuously sip water while you’re in the tub soaking to stay ahead of dehydration.
Eat a Light Snack Before Soaking
Low blood sugar combined with heat can leave you weak and shaky. A small snack before you soak makes a big difference.
Switch to a More Bioavailable Magnesium Source
This is the best advice we have to offer if you feel weird after epsom salt bath - ditch the low-bioavailability epsom salt for something more efficient! Studies show the best topical magnesium is magnesium chloride hexahydrate, and that’s what we use in our bath soak recipe.
Each soak pairs magnesium with targeted nutrients for stress, sleep, soreness, or fatigue, so your body gets support instead of overload. People feel calmer and get more consistent results, sometimes lasting up to 5 days. There’s no post-bath weirdness that magnesium sulfate can cause, either. Just lasting relief.
From our muscle bath soak to our anxiety bath soak, we use 99% natural ingredients. No parabens, artificial fragrances, or dyes. The ingredients are cruelty-free and biodegradable, too.
“Just what was needed after a stressful day at work!! Ah! Just ah! 🥰” - Eileen
“The whole mood bundle is a must-have. Everyday aches and pains - gone, AND anxiety is drastically reduced. The bundle is a great way to find your favorite or favorites 😉.” - Laura
“I really like these salt soaks. I usually use two as I have a ginormous tub, and I do feel they help me sleep better. Love the smell. It is not overwhelming, it’s very relaxing.” - Jeudi
Ease Out of the Bath Slowly Instead of Standing Up Fast
Don’t rush out of the tub back into the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ease yourself up and sit on the edge of the tub for a moment before standing up. Stretch your arms out and then raise yourself upright. Give your body time to adjust to avoid that sudden head rush.
Parting Thoughts on Why You Feel Weird After Epsom Salt Bath
So, why do I feel weird after an epsom salt bath? Hopefully you’ve found your answer after reading through this guide. It could be a number of things, but it’s almost always avoidable. The most common culprits are dehydration, heat, and the side effects of epsom salt itself.
You can learn more about the difference between magnesium chloride vs magnesium sulfate or magnesium flakes vs epsom salt in our blog. Otherwise, it’s time to spoil yourself with the #1 stress relief bath soak online at Flewd Stresscare.
Get relaxation without the weirdness and see what keeps customers coming back for more!
