How can a daily soak improve your sleep?

Many people struggle to wind down completely at the end of the day. Our brains never shut off because we’re jumping from news story to news story, one Facebook post to the next, scrolling through Instagram for those cute dog videos, or binging the latest Netflix release. The stresses and anxieties of daily life, combined with constant use of light-emitting iPads, iPhones, and televisions, along with drinking caffeine throughout the day, all mean that most of us do not engage in the type of self-care that would allow for a complete and restful night of sleep.

In fact, in his groundbreaking book, Undoing Perpetual Stress, Dr. Richard O’Connor makes a solid case that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. He laments that the healthcare establishment hasn’t been able to adequately help patients with sleeping problems, compounded by the increased use of technology. As a result, 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week* and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 – a 50% increase from 2008’s $23 billion dollars.

Fortunately, we have good news. If you’re considering getting a hot tub to help you relax and even sleep, the science stands behind you. A warm soak in the hot tub can improve circulation which can help sleep.

Warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation. Oxygen-rich blood flow to the organs and extremities helps every part of you feel better because cell growth proceeds more efficiently.

Improved circulation helps you sleep because it fuels “the relaxation response.” With cells and organs properly nourished with oxygen and nutrients and the heart beating in a steady, reliable way, your breathing rate slows, relaxing you naturally, the production of stress hormones decreases, and muscles relax.

All of these physiological changes can promote better sleep.

Sleep specialists push insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. For decades, these hard-working researchers have known and broadcast the fact that light affects the brain, sleep patterns, and mood. Their (and the insomniac’s) biggest enemy now is artificial light, delivered after sundown. So to get your best sleep put the device down and get into your hot tub. Turn the lights down or off. Listen to relaxing music. Take a friend or loved one with you for light, pleasant conversation. Alone time is a great strategy to wind down. Make this a nightly ritual, and sleep like a baby.

*Mackay, Maureen. Sleepless in America – www.thefiscaltimes.com

Still, looking for a spa for your home? Find your best hot tub match from among a variety of models. You’ll feel confident about your investment when you know you’re getting long-lasting premium quality, easy maintenance and operation, and even more of the amazing benefits than you were looking for. So why not start your journey right now? Request a personal price quote today!