People have long since used hot tubs to relax, catch up with friends and bring families closer together. But hot tubs have been found to have many other advantages as well. They’ve been used to provide pain relief, improve sleeping patterns and increase people’s range of motion. So, when we’re asked the question, “Are hot tubs good for your health?” we would have to argue that they do indeed. And although this article in no way purports to act as medical advice, we’ve come up with a list of ways that hot tubs can provide health benefits.
Improve Sleeping Patterns
If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you’re going to have a tough time completing the necessary tasks of the following day. Even more alarming are studies that hypothesize that lack of sleep can actually decrease your lifespan. For those who suffer from insomnia or even those who occasionally find it hard to get to sleep, spending some time in a hot tub can provide enough relaxation to make falling asleep easier. The warm water is excellent for calming frayed nerves, relaxing muscles and slowing down racing minds. Instead of turning to medication, many people have found that time in a hot tub can lead to uninterrupted, deeper and more restful sleep.
Improve Flexibility
For those who suffer from a limited range of motion, lack of flexibility or stiffening of the muscles, a soak in the hot tub is a good way to loosen up. In fact, some athletes spend some time in the hot tub before training to loosen their muscles and warm up for an exercise session. It’s not only the effect of the warm water and massaging jets that can allow this process to occur. The buoyancy provided by the water takes pressure off joints, reduces inflammation and promotes mobility. There are plenty of stretching exercises which can be performed in a hot tub to increase and improve your flexibility.
Alleviate Arthritic Pain
Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. The causes for this inflammation are many and can range from overuse to infections to autoimmune system problems and heredity. The common underlying factor is the pain that accompanies this degenerative disease. Soaking in a hot tub won’t cure arthritis, but it will make the pain more bearable. This occurs because of a combination of the warm water, massaging jets, and alleviation of the pressure on the joints. Regular use of a hot tub can result in temporary relief of arthritic pain.
Alleviate Back Pain
Back problems can affect more than just a person’s back. They can cause disruption throughout their entire life. They can cause simple movements such as getting out of a chair or putting on one’s socks to take minutes rather than seconds. Anyone who has actually experienced back pain understands that it may not be a visible ailment, but it certainly is debilitating. Spending time in a hot tub can loosen up your back muscles and allow for some relief. The warm water in combination with the massaging jets and the buoyancy provided by the water all contribute to relaxing the back muscles and relieving the pain.
Reduce Anxiety
Sufferers from anxiety can find it difficult to carry out the day to day tasks that most of us take for granted. Being able to relax and find peace of mind can be very challenging for those who experience anxiety attacks. The warm, massaging waters of hot tubs are great for promoting relaxation, centering the mind and decreasing stress and anxiety levels. Those who suffer from anxiety can benefit from regular hot tub use.
Now that you know why hot tubs are so good for your health, download a hot tub buyer’s guide below to learn more about their benefits, or visit us at our London hot tub store.