10 Benefits of Taking a Hot Bath

Nothing beats the feeling of sinking into a hot bath at the end of a long day. It’s one of life’s simplest pleasures – a moment of calm that helps you unwind and recharge. But did you know that taking a hot bath also offers a whole host of other benefits for both your body and mind?

We believe that every bath should feel like a spa experience. Whether you’re lighting a candle, adding your favourite bath oil, or wrapping up in a plush towel afterwards, it’s those small details that make the everyday feel more special.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 benefits of a hot bath – and why making time for one might just be the best thing you do for yourself this week.

What are the health benefits of a hot bath?

From soothing sore muscles and improving circulation to promoting better sleep and hydrated skin, there are many benefits to taking a hot bath.

1. Better quality sleep

Many of us take a hot bath before bed simply out of habit, but there’s actually a very good reason for doing so. Scientific studies have found that bathing 90 minutes before going to bed improves the quality of our sleep.

How does it work? Our body temperature is closely linked to regulating our sleep. As our temperature rises during the night, it acts as a kind of biological alarm clock that disrupts our slumber. Hot baths cool down your core temperature, which leads to fewer sleep disruptions and less time spent tossing and turning.

2. Relieve stress

Stress relief is one of the most well-known reasons for running a hot bath, and it’s certainly not a myth. Having a hot bath has been proven to decrease stress hormones and balance serotonin levels – some research studies even suggest that a warm bath could help people living with depression.

Enhance the mood-boosting effects of your bath even further by making the experience more luxurious: everything from playing calming music and lighting candles to using your favourite bath salts and a luxury bath mat can help you achieve this.

3. Relieve headaches

Headaches are often caused by tension or narrowing of the blood vessels in the head. A hot bath can alleviate the pressure on those blood vessels, helping get rid of your headache.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hot baths and showers are also a non-medical remedy for stopping migraines before they start.

4. Heal dry or irritated skin

A hot bath, especially when used in combination with skin-soothing oils like coconut or olive, can help hydrate and heal dry or irritated skin. Hot water also speeds up the healing process and acts as an antibiotic, making baths a great treatment for any small cuts or wounds.

Just take care not to make your bath too hot: a scalding bath can do more harm than good, causing skin to become more irritated.

5. Combat cold and flu

The steam from a hot bath can help loosen mucus, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold. The warm water also encourages your heart to beat faster, which increases oxygen intake and helps your immune system fight the virus.

Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus to your bath is also a great way to help clear your sinuses when you have a cold. And don’t forget a cosy bathrobe to wrap yourself up in afterwards!

6. Ease muscle soreness

Warm water can help to calm sore muscles, releasing tension and increasing blood flow to help you heal faster. If you have chronic muscle soreness because of a condition like arthritis, taking regular hot baths is a simple and effective way to manage your symptoms.

7. Alleviate constipation

Our gastrointestinal health is closely linked to our nervous system, so when your muscles tense up because of stress, it can lead to constipation. Having a hot bath loosens up your muscles and reduces stress, helping you stay regular.

8. Reduce inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. A two-week trial found that participants who sat in an immersion bath for an hour saw improved results in their levels of inflammation, suggesting that hot baths could be particularly beneficial for people who are unable to move or exercise.

9. Lower blood pressure

According to studies, hot baths can improve your circulation and vascular function. The heat from the water encourages the heart to beat faster, which may reduce any stiffening of blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great mini workout for your heart, without doing any actual exercise!

10. Reduce blood sugar

If you have a condition such as diabetes that affects your blood sugar, you might be surprised to hear that a hot bath can help. A study by Loughborough University found that a hot bath burned about as many calories as a half-hour walk, which improved the overall blood sugar levels in participants. The study also indicated that people with diabetes who soak in a hot bath regularly are able to reduce the levels of sugar and glucose in their blood. This is because the spike in body temperature improves blood flow and therefore transports glucose through the body more effectively.

What is the right temperature for a hot bath?

The ideal bath temperature is 37°-38° C (98.6°-100.4° F), which is around body temperature. However, some people prefer a slightly hotter bath (about 40° C), which is also fine.

The best way to test the temperature of your bath before getting in is with your elbow. This helps you gauge the temperature more accurately than using your hands, as hands are less sensitive to temperature than the rest of your body.

Take care not to make your bath too hot, as this could make you dehydrated or dizzy.

How long should you stay in the bath to feel the benefits?

You should stay in the bath for 15-30 minutes to feel the benefits, as this is long enough to relax your muscles and improve your circulation without risking dehydration or skin irritation. Always listen to your body though, and get out of the bath if you start to feel lightheaded or too hot.

Make every bathtime that extra bit luxurious with Christy Towels

Now that you know the benefits of a hot bath, all that’s left to do is invest in the luxury bathroom essentials you need. With a 175-year history of crafting the most sumptuous towels, you can rely on Christy for truly premium bath products.

For more information, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help – we love hearing from our customers!