Article: Ice baths : Will cold water immersion improve my sleep?
SLEEP BETTER
WHAT IS THE SCIENCE OF cold water BATHING?
Few things affect our health and well-being as much as sleep. So it’s no surprise that many of us are looking for ways to get better sleep. While it might seem surprising, there is evidence that taking ice baths can have a positive effect on your sleep.
We recommend combining ice baths with a sauna, and today feature some global locations for ice bathing. There are new openings across every region so check out your local listings.
THE RESEARCH
WHY DO IT?
A study with a group of athletes measured the sleep quality of runners who practiced cold water immersion after a workout. The runners who had full-body cold exposure experienced more slow-wave sleep in the first three hours of sleep, woke up less throughout the night, and had reduced limb movements all night long. Researchers believe this is because exercise can increase activity in the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) and decrease activity in the parasympathetic nervous system (which relaxes the body). Cold water immersion re-activates the parasympathetic system.
the practice
when to bathe
It's best to time your ice bath at least 1-2 hours before bedtime, as it can increase alertness and energy. We recommend combining it with a sauna practice. However, you can experiment with the timing and monitor your energy levels and sleep quality. It's important to practice cold therapy consistently to reap the most benefits and seek advice from your doctor if you're unsure.
Since it can be risky for some of us, it's important to have experienced support and someone present initially to help if you feel overwhelmed. That's why we suggest visiting some locations within your city.
REBASE
Marylebone's newest wellness location is a luxurious destination for cold water bathing, infra-red saunas, and complimentary wellbeing services.
sauna & ice baths
hackney rooftops
Experience pure bliss at a higher altitude at Hackney Rooftop saunas and ice baths in London. This stunning setting offers superb saunas with beautiful views to the south across the city of London, along with open ice baths to use between each sauna. This experience is bookable for groups.
remedy place
Billed as "the world's first social wellness club," Remedy Place can be found in New York and Los Angeles. It's a unique, recovery-focused destination with a cool vibe offering luxury ice baths, a subterranean group ice bath studio, and versatile saunas that combine traditional and infrared heat.
bathing in shoreditch
sauna & plunge
Sauna & Plunge in Shoreditch, London, is carving out a completely reimagined space. It brings physical and mental health to new heights through a calming, luxurious, and exclusive experience. With saunas, cold water bathing steam rooms, and relaxation areas, it's the perfect place to discover ice bathing.
natural ice baths
get outside
As the winter season approaches, for the adventurous, consider visiting the Alps and Nordics to experience natural cold pools. Supervised ice water bathing is a popular wellness activity from St. Moritz and Zurich to Oslo.
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