Some people think that hot tubs are simply recreational luxuries. But those in the know understand that a hot tub can play an important role in improving one’s health and wellbeing. Although spending time in a hot tub with family and friends can be a lot of fun, there are proven health benefits that can be derived by regularly soaking in the warm massaging waters. In an attempt to bring some understanding to those who might ask, “What does a hot tub do for you?” we’ve compiled a list of specific health improvements that can be derived from regular hot tub use.
Relief from Stress
Although some stress is essential for survival, too much stress can be debilitating and cause the onset of further health conditions. Stress can depress the immune system and create fatigue – both mental and physical. Spending time in a hot tub can provide relief from stress by reducing tension in the muscles and joints, increasing blood circulation and causing the production of stress relieving hormones. If you lead a stressful life and find it manifesting itself in physical conditions, you might want to consider regularly soaking in a hot tub to help reduce your mental and physical pressures.
Relief from Pain
It doesn’t matter why you’re feeling pain – it could be caused by injury, medical conditions or overexertion – spending time in the warm massaging waters of a hot tub can provide almost instantaneous relief from pain. Although much of this has to do with the increase in blood circulation which helps repair injured tissues, the release of the pain-relieving hormones called endorphins can provide an instant feeling of wellbeing. If you suffer from chronic pain, speak to your doctor or health professional to see how your hot tub can be used to mitigate your symptoms.
Injury Recovery
Soaking in the hot tub will not only reduce the pain caused by injury, but it will also speed up the injury recovery process. This has to do with increased blood flow and the ability of oxygen to reach the injured areas. Using warm water as a medium for light exercise, also known as hydrotherapy, has long been used to promote recovery from injury and speed up the healing process. Speak to your health care professional for advice on how to utilize your hot tub to promote injury recovery.
Immune System Boost
It’s been found that increasing the internal temperature of the body through the use of a hot tub or sauna promotes the production of white blood cells. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are a first line defense against disease and illness. White blood cells travel through the bloodstream and attack and destroy foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. If you often find yourself catching colds or the flu, you might consider a regular session in your hot tub to boost your immune system.
Reduce Blood Pressure
For those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, soaking in a hot tub has been shown to temporarily reduce the affliction. As the body warms up and the heart begins to beat harder, the blood vessels dilate to help reduce the internal temperature. This allows blood to reach the skin’s surface and reduce the restriction of blood flow. If you find your blood pressure spiking, you might consider spending some time in the hot tub to bring it back down.
Improve Sleep
Many people who suffer from sleep problems have found that soaking in the hot tub before bedtime allows one to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. It appears this has to do with the signals sent to the brain when the body starts cooling down after exiting the hot tub. If you suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders you might want to look into how a hot tub can help your situation.
To find out more about the benefits of becoming a hot tub owner, download our hot tub buyer’s guide.