Is stress keeping you up at night? Why not try an all-natural treatment that will not only help you de-stress at the end of the day, but also help improve your sleep? Hydrotherapy, or warm water immersion, is a water-based therapeutic technique that has been used for centuries. In modern day, hydrotherapy sessions can be accessed through the regular use of a hot tub.
HOW DOES HYDROTHERAPY WORK?
Regular hot tub use can regulate your nervous system by increasing your body’s relaxation response, while decreasing stress response. The heated water, especially when combined with jet massage, helps your body to produce “happy” hormones known as endorphins and dopamine. This dynamic duo drastically reduces your stress level by removing tension and calming your mind.
The benefits of using your hot tub don’t stop there, however. Experts have found that a 20-minute soak in the hot tub a few hours before bed can vastly improve the quality of your sleep, even if you suffer from conditions like insomnia or restless leg syndrome.
The magic is in the heat of the water. The water elevates your body temperature above it’s usual 97-99 degrees. After exiting the spa, your body slowly cools, returning to normal. This process, tells your body it’s time for sleep and, because your body is prepared, you’re able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Hydrotherapy can also help to improve your sleep patterns with physical relief. The combination of heat, buoyancy and massage can help to lift pressure from aching muscles, soothe them with heat and then relieve tension with massage from the jets. The better you feel on a regular basis, the easier you may find it to get comfortable and fall asleep once you hit the sheets.
MAXIMIZE YOUR HYDROTHERAPY EXPERIENCE
Although hydrotherapy can work wonders for your sleep patterns, stress levels and physical well-being, you can maximize the benefits and achieve a couple more when you combine with other therapies and activities.
Use Aromatherapy
This ancient holistic practice uses natural plant extracts to enhance well-being. Also known as essential oil therapy, this practice, when paired with hydrotherapy, is an extremely effective way to promote relaxation. All you have to do is add aromatherapy products that are designed to work with your spa’s water care system. Choose scents that include lavender, ylang-ylang, jasmine or vanilla, as all four of these scents have been proven to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Include Exercise
You might not be able to swim in your hot tub, but you can still increase your fitness from the comfort of your spa. As the heated water gets your blood pumping, your muscles warm, making it the perfect time to do some yoga moves or other stretches. Regular stretching in heated water not only improves your flexibility, but can also help to ease tense and achy muscles. And when we feel better, we sleep better too.
Listen to Music
Music is like food for the soul, so adding some of your favorite tunes to your spa time can really enhance your relaxation. If your goal is to relax and sleep better, you’ll want to choose mellow music. Opting for classical, jazz or adult contemporary can help to set the mood and enhance the peaceful ambiance, which is what you’ll want before bedtime.
Clear Your Mind
While this might be easier said than done, especially after a really stressful day, using some simple techniques to calm your thoughts can really help you to relax. Once you’re sitting comfortably in your spa, close your eyes and focus on breathing deeply in through your nose. Hold the breath for two seconds and then slowly release it out of your mouth. Repeat 10 times for maximum benefit.
If you need a little more help to relax, try using some basic meditation techniques. With eyes closed, breathe naturally and focus your attention on how your body moves with each inhale and exhale. If your mind wanders, return your focus back to the movements of your body as you breathe. Do this for two or three minutes initially and increase that time as you become more proficient.
LE DIPPING PARLOR SPAS
If you’re ready to have less stress in your life, not to mention better sleep, get in touch with us at Le Dipping Parlor Spas, provider of the best hot tubs in Springfield. Whether you’re shopping for a new spa, hot tub chemicals or a hot tub cover, we have everything you need to make your backyard the perfect get-away. Drop in to our showroom or send us a message. Our staff is always on hand to answer customer questions or offer advice.