3 Surprising Hot Tub Health Benefits
But, did you know hot water therapy can also offer numerous health benefits outside of just improving your mood?
We’ll explore the wide array of advantages associated with hot water immersion, in order to get you living your healthiest, most relaxed life.
Stress Relief
The most enticing benefit of hot tubbing is its ability to relieve stress and tension accumulated throughout day to day activities.
High levels of stress are undoubtedly correlated with negative effects on mood, immune and digestive systems, and cardiovascular health, with recent studies suggesting that the link between stress and health may be even more pivotal than initially believed.
Prolonged stress – otherwise known as chronic stress – has been linked to an increased risk of fatal heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and even stroke. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand the urgent need for relaxation.
This is where the benefits of hot tubbing can be explored. Hot water immersion has been widely used to improve fatigue and anxiety, both of which are considered to be side effects of stress exposure. With a quick soak at the end of the day, you will not only feel the physical effects of relaxation, but the mental benefits as well.
Improved Sleep
Hot water therapy can also be credited for helping you drift into a more peaceful and calm sleep state.
Because your body temperature naturally rises throughout the day and falls at night, a hot soak followed by a period of cooling off encourages the drop in temperature that happens before you sleep. The temperature dip simulated by the heat from your spa – and the subsequent cooling period afterwards – signals to your body that it’s time for bed, allowing you to drift into dreamland more seamlessly.
Improved Heart Health
Another benefit of hot water immersion is its significant impact on strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system. Although hot tubbing doesn’t replace regular physical activity, its ability to increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and decrease stress levels can positively impact heart health.
Hot tubbing can also act as a preventative measure for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with numerous studies showing a direct correlation between hot water immersion and a beneficial effect on the prevention of CVD.
With only 15-30 minutes of soaking in your spa (with temperatures set around 102F), you can take pride in knowing you are making a long-lasting, heart-healthy choice.
Who Shouldn’t Use Hot Tubs?
The health benefits of hot tubbing can be accessed by a wide range of users, promising relaxation in every soak. However, it’s important to always follow the guidance and advice of your healthcare provider to make the best decision for you.
As a general rule, you should avoid hot tubs if you:
● Are pregnant
● Are impaired by alcohol or other substances
● Have been diagnosed with epilepsy or another seizure disorder
● Have low blood pressure
● Have open cuts or sores
The Short of It
The benefits of hot water therapy range from immediate relief, to long term improvement of health symptoms.
Although hot tubbing cannot replace any medication or health therapy, spas have been proven to relieve stress, improve sleep, and heighten heart health, all with only 15 – 30 minutes of daily use.
Remember, it’s always important to follow the guidance of your healthcare professional to be sure spa exposure is the right decision for you.
