It’s been a long, hard day and soaking in a hot tub may be just the therapy you need to unwind and escape. Aside from helping you relax, it turns out that spending time in a hot tub may provide other benefits, too.
Let’s explore those potential health benefits of soaking in a hot tub and also when it may be safer to avoid it.
Relaxing in a hot tub can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, hot water immersion may have “robust” effects on vascular function and blood pressure. The authors of the study suggested that passive heat therapy may help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality, especially among those with limited ability to exercise.
Earlier researchTrusted Source found that immersion in a hot tub for 10 minutes may lower blood pressure and is likely safe for most people with treated high blood pressure.
Relaxing in a hot tub can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, hot water immersion may have “robust” effects on vascular function and blood pressure. The authors of the study suggested that passive heat therapy may help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality, especially among those with limited ability to exercise.
Earlier researchTrusted Source found that immersion in a hot tub for 10 minutes may lower blood pressure and is likely safe for most people with treated high blood pressure.
One of the most obvious benefits of a hot tub is the potential to help ease the tensions of the day. The soothing effect of the warm water and massaging action may help relieve physical, emotional, and mental stress.
One of the most obvious benefits of a hot tub is the potential to help ease the tensions of the day. The soothing effect of the warm water and massaging action may help relieve physical, emotional, and mental stress.
The heat from the sauna and steam room causes blood vessels to dilate, promoting better circulation throughout the body. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs, promoting overall health and vitality.
The heat from the sauna and steam room causes blood vessels to dilate, promoting better circulation throughout the body. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs, promoting overall health and vitality.
The hot water and massaging action of the hot tub jets can be an effective way to help relax and soothe tight, tense muscles. This can help ease aches and pains.
A hot tub soak before exercising may also reduce the risk of injury.
The hot water and massaging action of the hot tub jets can be an effective way to help relax and soothe tight, tense muscles. This can help ease aches and pains.
A hot tub soak before exercising may also reduce the risk of injury.
According to research, the simple relaxation gained from a soak in the hot tub may be enough to help you drift off into a more peaceful sleep.
An older studyTrusted Source evaluated passive body heating as a treatment for insomnia in older adults. The study was small and subjective but found that hot baths promoted significantly deeper and more restful sleep.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of hydrotherapy on physical function and sleep quality for people with fibromyalgia. It was a small study involving females between the ages of 30 and 65. The researchers concluded that hydrotherapy helped improve sleep quality along with other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
According to research, the simple relaxation gained from a soak in the hot tub may be enough to help you drift off into a more peaceful sleep.
An older studyTrusted Source evaluated passive body heating as a treatment for insomnia in older adults. The study was small and subjective but found that hot baths promoted significantly deeper and more restful sleep.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of hydrotherapy on physical function and sleep quality for people with fibromyalgia. It was a small study involving females between the ages of 30 and 65. The researchers concluded that hydrotherapy helped improve sleep quality along with other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Soaking in a hot tub may relieve some types of pain by relaxing tense muscles, joints, and tendons.
If you have arthritis, the heat and massaging action may help ease the stiffness and inflammation that cause pain.
Water supports your body and takes weight off joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion. You might gain some of these benefits in a warm bath as well.
Soaking in a hot tub may relieve some types of pain by relaxing tense muscles, joints, and tendons.
If you have arthritis, the heat and massaging action may help ease the stiffness and inflammation that cause pain.
Water supports your body and takes weight off joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion. You might gain some of these benefits in a warm bath as well.
Some researchers hypothesizeTrusted Source that regular thermal therapy using saunas or hot baths may improve impaired insulin sensitivity and be beneficial for managing diabetes.
Additionally, a 2015 reviewTrusted Source found that sauna and hot tub therapy may benefit people with obesity and diabetes.
Some researchers hypothesizeTrusted Source that regular thermal therapy using saunas or hot baths may improve impaired insulin sensitivity and be beneficial for managing diabetes.
Additionally, a 2015 reviewTrusted Source found that sauna and hot tub therapy may benefit people with obesity and diabetes.
In a small 2016study, participants soaked in a waist-high hot bath for an hour and burned about the same number of calories as a 30-minute walk. That’s not to say that it should take the place of exercise, but it might help metabolism, particularly for those who find it hard to exercise.
In a small 2016study, participants soaked in a waist-high hot bath for an hour and burned about the same number of calories as a 30-minute walk. That’s not to say that it should take the place of exercise, but it might help metabolism, particularly for those who find it hard to exercise.
Soaking in hot water can be deeply relaxing and beneficial, but prolonged exposure to heat can place stress on the body. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before soaking, especially if you have cardiovascular conditions, are pregnant, or have other underlying health concerns.
Please keep the following precautions in mind:
Limit soak time to 10–20 minutes, especially at higher temperatures
Stay well hydrated before and after soaking
Avoid alcohol before or during use
Enter and exit pools slowly to prevent lightheadedness
Take breaks between soaks to allow your body to cool down
Do not soak if you are feeling unwell
Exit the water immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or a rapid heartbeat.
Hot water soaking should feel calming and restorative—not overwhelming. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Soaking in hot water can be deeply relaxing and beneficial, but prolonged exposure to heat can place stress on the body. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before soaking, especially if you have cardiovascular conditions, are pregnant, or have other underlying health concerns.
Please keep the following precautions in mind:
Limit soak time to 10–20 minutes, especially at higher temperatures
Stay well hydrated before and after soaking
Avoid alcohol before or during use
Enter and exit pools slowly to prevent lightheadedness
Take breaks between soaks to allow your body to cool down
Do not soak if you are feeling unwell
Exit the water immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or a rapid heartbeat.
Hot water soaking should feel calming and restorative—not overwhelming. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.