The Amazing Health Benefits of a Hot Bath

demure bathroom space

What we’ll cover…

  • The aid of muscle relaxation and improved circulation
  • Enhanced sleep quality and stress relief
  • Detoxification advantages of hot baths
  • Arthritis symptom alleviation
  • Promotion of relaxation and mindfulness

    Hot Bath Health Advantages

    Ever wondered the amazing benefits of a hot bath, you’ll be surprised by how many there are! 

    There’s not much a hot bath can’t fix. Having a bad day? – run a hot bath. Broken heart? – run a hot bath, sore muscles? – run a hot bath! 

    So, why do hot baths make you feel so good? Well, there is legitimate scientific studies that prove hot baths have many health benefits.

    There is a reason people have been soaking in hot springs for centuries (the first recorded hot bath dates to Egyptian times) and It’s not a coincidence that hot tubs are available at spa retreats – they are the perfect way to relax and forget about the stresses of the world.

    In this article we break down and discuss all the hot bath benefits backed by science

    What Are The Hot Bath Health Benefits Backed By Science?

    How does a hot bath help soothe muscle and joint pain?

    Bearded man with muscle pain holding his knee while sitting on an orange couch

    A soak in a hot bath allows your muscles to release tension and reduce inflammation. The warmth of water can loosen muscle spasms allowing your body to fully relax.

    For the ultimate bathing experience make sure you add some Epsom salts. Research suggests that warmth can ease aches and pains. Heat therapy after exercising, during period cramps or during a muscle and joint flair up from disorders like Fibromyalgia can reduce muscle soreness and soothe pain by up 47%.

    Hot Baths Can Improve Blood Flow

    rendering close up of red blood cells flowing through a body

    To ease muscle soreness, heat helps by increasing blood flow. When you take a hot bath, your blood vessels widen, allowing more blood to reach your heart. This lowers your blood pressure and improves circulation, relieving muscle pain.

    If you bathe on a regular basis, recent studies suggest this could lower your chance of heart attack and strokes according to Harvard Health.

    If you have low blood pressure, avoid hot baths, or limit the number of hot baths you take to prevent fainting.

    Hot Baths Reduce Stress and Anxiety

    People with less anxiety, having fun in a restaurant.

    A hot baths temperature can alter out nervous system by lowering stress levels and improving your mood.

    As your body adjusts to the warmth, you should start to feel calm and relaxed. This is backed up by evidence that suggests that the same pathway in the brain that regulates our core body temperature can trigger mood regulating hormones. 

    A Hot Bath Helps You Fall Asleep

    Woman asleep in bed with sleep mask over eyes

    Studies have proven that a warm bath an hour or two before bed can help you relax and fall asleep faster. A warm bath cools your body by bringing blood to the surface, signalling your body to sleep.

    Hot Baths Improves Overall Skin Health

    A warm bath (emphasis on warm not hot) can do wonders for your skin health. It provides a deep cleanse, the warmth opens your pores up, washing away impurities. 

    Including essential oils such as coconut oil, lavender oil, or any oil, will lock in hydration to your skin leaving you feeling silky soft. If you suffer with eczema or irritated skin, we have a whole article on the benefits of putting oatmeal into your bath to soothe skin conditions.

    Who should avoid be cautious when it comes to hot baths?

    Elderly woman being helped by black carer

    Studies have highlighted that bath water temperatures above 38-40 degrees can be a risk for the elderly, pregnant women, children, and anyone with a heart condition should stick to warm water, not hot.

    Another thing to be wary of while bathing is a loss of balance, and for the same reason as stated above, a sudden drop in blood pressure. When this happens, dizziness is not uncommon.

    So, when standing up to exit the bath, consider wet floors and slippery surfaces.

    In the UK there are approximately one million slips and falls per year, many of which happen in the bathroom.

    According to NHS records around 30% those aged 65 and above will suffer a fall in the home each year, with over 600 admitted to hospital suffering hip fractures.

    While these figures might seem worrying, it is quite easy to avoid becoming part of that statistic. Simply bear in mind that taking a bath needn’t be about getting clean and getting going. When taking a bath as part of a therapeutic and relaxing routine, you don’t rush to get in…so don’t rush to get out!

    Take a few breaths, stand up slowly and be wary of wet floors.

    Is it safe to have a hot bath whilst pregnant? 

    Pregnant woman in pyjamas holding her belly in bed

    It’s absolutely ok and safe to take a warm bath while you’re pregnant. Warm being the key word. It is important to not run the bath too hot as the heat from the water can reduce the blood flow to your baby. If you keep the water around 36 degrees, you can bathe with ease. 

    A good temperature sign is being able to get in the tub without a pause and it shouldn’t be so warm you begin to sweat. 

    Dim Lights And a Detox

    Bath with dim lights and candles

    At around 32°C pores in our skin open and the body is encouraged toward light sweating. This, again, helps to expel toxins. It is also is a good way to treat mild coughs and colds without resorting to medication.

    So, while there are one or two things to consider before settling in for a much deserved soak at the end of a long day, the benefits can be substantial.

    Are Hot Baths Good For You?

    As we mentioned above hot baths can be indeed beneficial for your overall well-being. From muscle relaxation and stress reduction to improving sleep quality and skin benefits, the positive impact of a warm soak is supported by scientific research.

    Is It Ok To Bath With Hot Water Every Day?

    While the allure of a daily hot bath is strong, you should be mindful when it comes to having a hot bath every day. A hot bath has many health benefits but individual health factors like skin sensitivity and hydration should be considered to avoid conditions worsening.

    There we have it, the amazing hot bath health benefits!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ Header Image (Can baths help with cold and flu?)

    Yes, a warm bath can help relieve cold and flu symptoms to some extent, with bath water coverage across the chest area particularly helpful.

    In effect a hot soak in a home bathtub will assist in relaxing aching muscles, breaking a fever, and offering some relief to congestion in the chest and sinuses especially.

    For further details, take a look at our blog, When To Take A Bath And When To Have A Shower.

    FAQ Header Image (Do hot baths boost the immune system?)

    Taking a warm bath can help the blood to flow easier, in turn making it more oxygenated as it allows you to breathe slower and deeper, especially when inhaling steam.

    Therefore, indulging in a hot bath or spa can combat bacteria and improve immunity. It can assist in tackling cold and flu symptoms.

    FAQ Header Image (What is the ideal temperature for domestic hot water?)

    The ideal temperature for domestic hot water is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or 49 degrees Celsius, to avoid the possibility of scalding.

    Furthermore, if the water heater is set at too high a temperature, it can result in unnecessarily more expensive energy bills from the running water emerging from shower systems and taps.

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