If you suffer from insomnia and other sleeping pattern problems you’ve probably looked at a wide variety of treatments that are purported to help you sleep. From sleep-inducing drugs to glasses of warm milk, there seems to be an endless number of approaches to help one fall asleep. But what about custom hot tubs? Can hot tubs make you tired? It appears there is some proof that spending time in a hot tub can help you fall asleep faster and lead to a deeper, more undisturbed sleep. In order to investigate these claims, we’ve come up with this article.
Thermoregulation
Thermoregulation is defined as the ability of an entity to maintain a constant internal body temperature. For humans, this temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit.) There is some room for maneuvering here, but if the body temperature drops too low or becomes too high problems start to occur. Hence the body’s need for thermoregulation. When your body temperature changes, signals are sent from the central nervous system to the hypothalamus in the brain. This causes changes in the body such as the production of sweat or the constriction of the blood vessels to help bring the temperature back into range. It’s been found that body temperature naturally rises throughout the day and then starts to decrease at night. The slight reduction in body temperature signals to the brain that it’s time to slow down and eventually fall asleep. Spending time in a hot tub can mimic this effect by causing the body temperature to rise and then fall after getting out of the water. By causing your body temperature to rise and fall you can trick your brain and body into believing that it’s feeling tired and ready to sleep.
Relaxation
One of the most anticipated effects of using a hot tub is its ability to cause the body and mind to relax. Immersing yourself in the warm, massaging water stimulates the production of pleasure causing hormones that can lead to both physical and mental relaxation. Heat also increases blood flow which helps wash away lactic acid while allowing muscles to become more elastic and relaxed. Water can also counteract the effects of gravity and reduce pressure on bones, joints, and other body parts resulting in decreased pain and a greater ability to relax. Spending time in a hot tub causes physical and mental changes in the body which leads to greater relaxation and calmness.
Blood Circulation
When you spend time in a hot tub your inner body temperature rises which leads to blood vessel dilation and subsequent reduction in blood pressure. Oxygen, nutrients, and hormones carried by the blood are able to be transported through the body faster and more effectively. This allows the body to repair and heal itself which results in conditions that are ideal for rest and sleep. The opposite occurs when the body is experiencing stress. The blood vessels constrict, your blood pressure rises and blood circulation becomes more laboured. Impaired circulation has been associated with poor sleeping patterns and many other health problems. By improving your blood circulation through the use of a hot tub your body is more easily able to repair itself, reduce pain, and create more relaxed and restful circumstances.
Sleep Routine
Those who study sleep problems often assert that creating a routine can help train your body to feel tired at appropriate times. This can lead to better and longer-lasting sleep. Spending time in a hot tub can become part of that routine. Combined with its ability to facilitate the thermoregulation process, cause the body to relax, and improve blood circulation, a hot tub can be a pleasurable way to prompt drowsiness and the body’s desire for sleep. If you’re looking to enhance your nightly bedtime routine, a hot tub can play a consequential role.