Slipping into your hot tub at the end of a long day certainly feels good but whether you have aching joints, trouble sleeping, even high blood pressure, a hot tub might be just what you need to feel better.

Whether you have aching joints, trouble sleeping, even high blood pressure, a hot tub might be just what you need to feel better.

Insomnia and Stress

With all of the conveniences of our modern world comes a price to pay: we are generally more stressed, and many of us are having trouble sleeping at night. Our minds are busy making lists, planning, and remembering, or we are too distracted with our electronic toys and gadgets. Recent studies have shown that spending just 15 minutes in a hot tub, 90 minutes before bed time, is an incredibly effective, drug-free way to improve sleep.

The warm water in your spa helps to dilate your blood vessels, loosen your muscles, and aids in overall relaxation. This is good news, not just for your sleep habits, but for your general wellbeing. Being less stressed can help you to be more focused and productive, and happier.

Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Joint Pain

The relaxation effect of the spa is also beneficial for people with joint and muscle pain. Arthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers can use the warm water to assist in gentle stretching or exercise in the water, or to simply relax and let some of the pain drift away. Studies have shown that patients witih fibromyalgia see a decrease in pain levels, sensitivity of trigger points, and overall fatigue when they use a hot tub on a regular basis. In some cases, for both arthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers, using the jets in the hot tub can help target specific aches and pains.

Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Better sleep and lower stress levels are already positive steps in dealing with Type 2 Diabetes, but it turns out hot tubs can do more.

As mentioned earlier, the warmth of the hot tub dilates blood vessels; this in turn can help to lower blood pressure. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with Type 2 Diabetes who sat in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day saw a decrease in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and some even lost weight – without any change in their exercise!

While it may not be the cure for whatever ails you, a soak in the hot tub can definitely provide you with some natural relief and ease some of the stress of day-to-day life. As with anything related to your health, talk to your

doctor before making any lifestyle changes, especially if you have previous health concerns or are on any medications.

Happy soaking!