Hot showers vs. Cold showers: The benefits they offer to the body & their differences

Thousands of years ago, people discovered that different water temperatures affect their health differently. Since then, hot or cold water hydrotherapy has been practiced around the world for different benefits. However, the enduring question remains: which is better? Hot or cold shower? Benefits of a hot shower A warm shower is generally associated with muscle relaxation, improved sleep and general well-being. They are also associated with the colder months as a means of warming up and warming up in the morning or before bed. But what are the real benefits of a hot shower? Improving sleep and regulating the sleep/wake cycle Studies show that people who take hot showers, especially at night or before bed, tend to fall asleep faster than those who take cold showers or no showers at all. It is generally recommended that people who are stressed or have sleep disorders take a warm shower to regulate their sleep/wake cycle. Hot showers tend to make you sleepy and can give you that comfortable feeling as if you're already lying in bed. Relaxation and Stress Management A hot shower is known to help relax and manage stress after a long day at work. Research shows that after a hot shower, you feel much better, both physically and mentally. Your emotions are calmed, your stress levels are reduced and you feel the stress go away. The reason for this lies in the fact that a warm shower, or rather hot water, helps the body regulate stress-related hormones. So, whether you're experiencing physical or emotional stress, a hot shower will release tension and reduce stress in an instant. However, both are considered to be soothing hydrotherapy that will help you sleep, recover and rejuvenate for the next day's challenges. Muscle relaxation A warm shower can help with muscle relaxation, but also with muscle damage and injuries. Studies show that soaking your feet, for example, in warm water for 45 minutes before exercise can reduce muscle damage, muscle soreness, muscle cramping, etc. Additionally, hot water therapy has shown incredible results in osteoarthritis patients. Hot water therapy allowed patients to improve their symptoms, mobility and reduce pain levels. Taking a hot shower after a vigorous workout or a long day at work can also help release tension and sore muscles. Warm water can also help muscles recover much faster and can prevent short-term muscle atrophy in cases of severe injuries that hinder muscle mobility and movement. Improvement of respiratory function In cases of breathing difficulties, stuffy nose, sinuses, upper respiratory infection and phlegm in the throat, warm showers are best. Inhaling warm steam from the evaporating water can help you relax, improve breathing, clear a stuffy nose and break up throat phlegm. It is recommended that people with a common cold or flu take a warm shower to relieve general symptoms and ensure easier breathing. Improvement of cardiovascular function Studies show that hot or warm water can improve blood flow in people with cardiovascular problems or chronic heart failure. The reason for this is that exposure to hot water or hot temperature actually dilates and dilates the blood vessels. In addition, hot water exposure can even help with arterial stiffness, which is responsible for atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol, calcium and fat in the arteries) and high blood pressure. Benefits of a cold shower A cold shower is generally associated with alertness and feeling refreshed and ready for a new day. This is probably why it is recommended to take a cold shower in the morning and not before bed. However, let's take a look at some of the major health benefits of cold showers! Strengthening and improving the immune system Cold showers are known to boost the immune system and enhance our body's resistance to various illnesses and diseases. Studies show that regular cold showers (at 30 second, 60 second and 90 second intervals) boost the immune system so much that there is up to 54% absence of illness compared to people who take hot showers or who do not shower at all. Vigilance! A cold shower is known to have the power to wake you up in a second. Exposure to cold water can wake up your body as well as induce alertness. The reason for this lies in the fact that cold water prompts you to take deeper and more frequent breaths. This results in a significant reduction of CO2 in the body, which literally clears your mind, sharpens your focus and goals for the day, and promotes concentration. Improving Mental and Emotional Health A cold shower seems to not only make you feel awake and alert, but also good about yourself and your life. This means that exposure to cold water can help combat feelings of depression and anxiety. Cold water activates the sympathetic nervous system, which promotes alertness. This results in higher production of adrenaline and endorphins, which are the body's natural anti-depressants. So every time you take a cold shower your body fights depression and promotes happiness. Skin tightening According to the world's leading dermatologists, it appears that cold showers can help tighten the skin. This is because the cold constricts the blood vessels in the skin. In addition, it temporarily tightens pores and reduces swelling and redness. Not to mention, a cold shower improves circulation, so your skin, especially the face will have a healthy glow. Final thoughts Showers are just a regular part of our daily lives. Whether you choose to take a hot or cold shower is entirely up to you and your preferences or needs. So it's probably impossible to say which one is better! Both hot and cold showers have their advantages and there are cases where one suits and benefits better than the other. So, the next time you shower, try experimenting with the water temperature and see which works best for you, hot or cold water! This article was originally written for TerryCralle , the official sleep information portal of Terry Cralle, a registered nurse & sleep clinician.