Let's talk about Hot Tubs and Insomnia

As far back as the late 1800s, Doctors have been recommending Hydrotherapy (such as found in our hot tubs) as a drug-free treatment for insomnia. The American Clinical and Climatological Association mentions a paper citing Dr. Irwin H. Hance’s 1899 lecture explaining the benefits of hydrotherapy because drugs are unreliable when the treatment of insomnia is concerned. Even in the 1880s, Washington DC’s St. Elizabeth Hospital would use wraps, showers and baths for treating insomnia in their patients.

What’s the big deal about insomnia?

Glad you asked! Insomnia is a disorder that plagues many of us at different stages in life and can occur in the following ways:

• General Sleep Disorders Sleep disorders are common & cause fatigue, sleeplessness, problems of insomnia, emotional imbalance, decrease  in productivity and a harmful effect on general health.

• Long Term Insomnia and Short Term Insomnia –Long term insomnia can be caused by depression or stress. Short term insomnia can occur after sudden stressful in life like loss of job, illness, noise, emotional problems, death in the family, failure etc. Sometimes, genetics can also have an important part to play in controlling the sleeping and waking schedule of a person. Age is another factor because it is noted that people who have crossed the age of 65 suffer from various sleep related disorders all over the world. Sleep disorders and insomnia can be caused by certain drugs and medications, or by working late at night.

Even though medicine alone has not been completely effective in curing insomnia, medicine and hydrotherapy can combat the problem together!

Why does Hydrotherapy help Insomnia?

In hydrotherapy, water’s thermal and mechanical effects are used to treat the problem of insomnia. This method works because the human body reacts to hot and cold stimuli from the hydrotherapy plus water pressure and application of heat for an extended duration. Generally, hot soaking, cold soaking, swimming, water massage and cleansing are involved in hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy helps not just with insomnia but with various other ailments as well, like muscle cramps, arthritis, muscle tension and knots. The major causes of insomnia like stress, bad circulation and pain are targeted by hydrotherapy because hot water baths and sauna help to relieve pain and relax the body. They also improve overall circulation. Certain types of hydrotherapy work by stimulating the endorphins that are responsible for controlling tension, pain and aches. Lack of pain leads to better sleep! For dealing with insomnia generated from stress,  sauna, underwater baths, mineral soaks, herbs, mud and Epsom salt and partial hot tub immersions are extremely helpful. These tried and tested methods have proven results in treating the most severe of insomnia! Hydrotherapy is a treatment supported by scientific proof for treatment of insomnia. If you’re sleepless, why prolong your misery? Have one of the experts at Spring Dance Hot Tubs help you choose a hot tub so you start feeling better today!

How are you Sleeping? Have you tried Hydrotherapy for insomnia?