If you’ve ever owned a hot tub, you’ve most likely experienced the soothing effect warm water can have on aching joints and muscles. You even may know some of the science behind hydrotherapy: how the heat of the water can improve circulation and lower blood pressure while the extra buoyancy takes the weight off strained joints. But most people haven’t even heard about one of the most amazing benefits using a hot tub can give: improved sleep.
Lack of sleep has been linked to innumerable negative effects. People who suffer from sleep deprivation are more like to cause accidents while driving, struggle with weight gain, have difficulty concentrating, and can be more irritable. Given that 50 to 70 million …show more content…
Your hot tub’s jets can work out muscle stiffness and soreness. Try targeting your jets to specific painful areas, such as your neck or lower back. The sudden temperature shift can also stimulate your body’s production of endorphins, which are natural pain killing hormones. The combined relaxing effects of hydrotherapy continue after you exit the tub, resulting in a deeper and longer lasting sleep.
The addition of essential oils to the hot tub water can also encourage further relaxation. Lavender, jasmine, or camomile are all good choices. Five to ten drops of these soothing scents should suffice for smaller hot tubs designed for 1-2 people. Or if you don’t feel comfortable adding oils directly into the hot tub’s water, adding a few drops of essential oils to a nearby soy or beeswax candle can be a great alternative.
Summing it Up
The benefits of using your hot tub for hydrotherapy are many, and in this article we’ve thrown a lot of information at you. Here’s a list summing them up. Hot tubs have been shown to:
-Improve circulation by causing your blood vessels to expand, which lowers your blood pressure. A mere five minutes in a hot tub can cause your blood pressure and pulse rates to drop.
-Relax stiff muscles and increase flexibility.
-Ease aching pain in overworked joints.
-Stimulate the body’s production of endorphins (natural pain killing