5 Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Tub

There’s one thing about soaking in a sizzling tub that simply feels oh so good. But do sizzling tubs have any well being advantages past leisure? Integrative medication doctor Irina Todorov, MD, shares what science says about sizzling tubbing and your well being.

Are sizzling tubs wholesome?

For many individuals, sizzling tubs increase bodily and psychological well being by doing the next:

1. Relieves stress

Ironically, sizzling water might help you chill. Some studies have shown that immersing your self in sizzling water may relieve stress and decrease depression symptoms.

“Using a hot tub or taking a hot bath helps calm your nervous system and improve your mood,” says Dr. Todorov. “Research shows that people who take hot baths instead of showers report lower levels of stress.”

Hot tubbing most likely isn’t going to remedy psychological well being issues. But a sizzling soak provides you a while to calm down and unwind, so go forward and revel in it with out guilt.

2. Manages muscle aches

A fast dip within the tub could also be simply what you want for muscle pain. A sizzling tub makes sore, drained muscular tissues really feel higher as a result of:

“Achy muscles or a tense back often feel better after using a hot tub,” says Dr. Todorov. “Hot water is a good alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers for mild to moderate muscle pain.”

Don’t keep within the sizzling water for greater than quarter-hour, although. Using a sizzling tub for too lengthy may ship an excessive amount of blood move to your muscular tissues, which may result in swelling.

3. Helps coronary heart well being

If you repeatedly sizzling tub or take sizzling baths, your coronary heart might thanks. One study found that individuals who took extra frequent sizzling baths had been much less more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

“A hot tub doesn’t replace the need for a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise,” notes Dr. Todorov. “But using a hot tub in addition to those measures could be beneficial for your heart health.”

But discuss to your supplier earlier than sizzling tubbing in case you have any well being circumstances.

“Heating up in a hot tub makes your heart beat faster,” she provides. “The heat can stress your heart and may be dangerous for people with heart disease.”

4. Lowers blood strain

“Soaking in hot water widens your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure,” explains Dr. Todorov. “Lower blood pressure can help you relax, but the effects are only temporary. Your blood pressure returns to normal a few minutes after you get out of the tub.”

But if you have already got low blood pressure (hypotension), the recent water could possibly be an excessive amount of.

“People who already have low blood pressure should avoid soaks that are much hotter than body temperature,” cautions Dr. Todorov. “Their blood pressure could drop to dangerously low levels.”

But in case you have high blood pressure (hypertension), sizzling tubs are doubtless protected and could possibly be useful.

“Most people with mild hypertension can safely use a hot tub,” she notes. “But hot tubbing cannot take the place of your medical treatment or blood pressure medications.”

5. Improves your sleep

If you’ve bother nodding off at night time, a sizzling tub may assist. The muscle-relaxing, mood-boosting results of sizzling water might help you soak the day away and put together you for sleep. You additionally expertise a change in your physique temperature that tells your physique it’s time for dreamland.

Your physique temperature adjustments all through the day and naturally dips if you method bedtime. So, heating up in a sizzling tub — after which cooling off — encourages the drop in temperature that occurs earlier than you go to sleep.

“This increase in temperature, and subsequent drop after you get out, could encourage better quality sleep,” says Dr. Todorov.

But don’t wait till bedtime to slide into the bathtub.

“Give your body time to cool back down, or you won’t feel tired,” she provides. “Get out of the tub about 90 minutes before you plan to go to bed.”

Is it OK to sizzling tub daily?

Many individuals reap the advantages of normal sizzling tubbing and might safely do it daily in the event that they select. But don’t use a sizzling tub or take sizzling baths should you’re pregnant. The next physique temperature can hurt a creating fetus, particularly within the first trimester. You must also keep away from sizzling tubs in case you have:

• Impairment from alcohol or substances that might hinder your consciousness.
• Epilepsy or one other seizure dysfunction until you’ve a trusted grownup associate with you.
• Low blood strain.
• Open cuts or sores.

Healthy sizzling tubbing tips

Some sizzling tubs are breeding grounds for germs. Only use sizzling tubs that are repeatedly cleaned and well-maintained with the correct ranges of chemical compounds. A sizzling tubbing ritual could be protected and wholesome should you:

• Don’t let the water temperature exceed 104 levels Fahrenheit (40 levels Celsius). If you’re unsure, examine the temperature with a bath thermometer or your finger. Enter slowly to keep away from burns or stunning your physique.
• Get out of the bathtub should you really feel too sizzling, dizzy or get a headache. These could possibly be indicators that you just’re dehydrated or your blood strain is getting too low.
• Install obstacles like locking gates round house sizzling tubs. Use a latching cowl to maintain it clear and assist preserve youngsters protected.
• Limit your dip to fifteen minutes or much less, otherwise you threat making muscle ache worse.

Heating up could be wholesome

If you’re in good well being, go forward and revel in a sizzling soak. But take into account that the well being advantages are a bonus, not a substitute for medical care.

“A hot tub isn’t going to solve any health problems, but it can feel great,” says Dr. Todorov. “And if you start to feel unwell or you just don’t like the heat, it’s a sign you should get out.”