7 benefits of soaking in a hot tub

There are a few important things to know in order to get the most out of your hot tub experience. Let's explore some of the potential health benefits of soaking in a hot tub and when it's best to avoid it. What are the health benefits of using a hot tub? The potential benefits of using a hot tub vary from person to person. To a large extent, it depends on your overall health and how you use the hot tub.

Below are 7 possible benefits of soaking in a hot tub.

1. Stress reduction. One of the most obvious benefits of a hot tub is its potential to help reduce the stress of the day. The soothing effect of warm water and the massaging action can help reduce physical, emotional, and mental tension. If you wish, you can enhance this stress-reducing effect with soft music, low lighting, or aromatherapy.

2. Muscle relaxation. The hot water jets and massage action can be an effective way to help you relax and soothe tense muscles. This can help reduce pain. Soaking in a bubble bath before exercising can also reduce the risk of injury.

3. Improved sleep. According to research, the simple relaxation gained from soaking in a hot bath may be enough to help you settle down more peacefully. An older study Trusted Source evaluated passive body warming as a treatment for insomnia in older adults. The study was small and subjective, but it found that hot baths promoted significantly deeper and more restful sleep. A 2012 study by the National Institutes of Health PubMed Central looked at the effects of hydrotherapy on physical function and sleep quality in people with fibromyalgia. It was a small study involving women aged 30 to 65. The researchers concluded that hydrotherapy helped improve sleep quality along with other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

4. Pain relief. Soaking in a hot bath can relieve various types of pain by relaxing tense muscles, joints, and tendons. If you have arthritis, heat and massage-type activities can help reduce stiffness and inflammation that cause pain. The water supports your body and takes weight off your joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion. You can also get some of these benefits in a warm fiberglass tub.

5. Better cardiovascular health. Relaxing in a hot tub can increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. According to a 2016 study, immersing yourself in hot water can have a "powerful" effect on blood vessel function and blood pressure. The study authors suggested that passive heat therapy may help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality, especially among people with limited ability to exercise. Soaking in a hot bath for 10 minutes can lower blood pressure and is likely safe for most people with high blood pressure.

6. Improved insulin sensitivity. Some researchers suggest that regular thermal therapy using saunas or hot baths may improve insulin sensitivity and be useful in managing diabetes. In addition, a 2015 review found that sauna and hot tub therapy may benefit people with obesity and diabetes.

7. Burning calories. In a small 2016 study, participants soaked waist-deep for an hour and burned about as many calories as they would have during a 30-minute walk. This does not mean that it should replace exercise, but it can help with metabolism, especially for those who find it difficult to exercise.

Who should avoid hot tubs?

• People with heart disease. Soaking in a hot tub can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. It may be safe for some people with cardiovascular problems, but it can be dangerous for others.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is easy to overheat your body, which can harm you and your baby.

If you have concerns about using a wooden tub, it is worth contacting your doctor.