An average of 25% of Canadians will experience a sleep disorder at some point in their life. It can last anywhere from a few days to a few years, and is more than just a few nights of restlessness. As we age, we begin to experience more changes to our sleeping patterns such as becoming sleepy earlier or enjoying less deep sleep. This is a normal part of aging. But disturbed sleep, waking up tired, and other symptoms of insomnia are something you shouldn’t just accept as there are a number of options available to help those suffering from sleep deprivation.
A good night’s rest is vitally important to a person’s health – physical, mental, and emotional – and, while sleep requirements vary from person to person, it is essential to find habits that help you improve the quality of your sleep.
Establishing and maintaining a good pre-sleep routine is a big step in helping the body develop healthy sleeping habits. Many experts recommend taking a bath as part of this routine. Studies have shown that sleep deepens as the body cools so raising the body’s temperature shortly before going to bed can be an effective method of helping yourself fall – and stay – asleep. Relaxing in a hot tub is even more effective as the water remains heated to a constant temperature, allowing the body to warm and relax. Many people will find that a restful soak in a hot tub about 90 minutes before bedtime will help them achieve more restful and deeper sleep than before.
Sore muscles and joints can often contribute to sleep problems as it is difficult to get comfortable while in pain. Soaking in hot water can relieve these issues as well by combining soothing massage, heat, and weightlessness to relieve symptoms and promote a better night’s sleep.
Heat also acts as a tranquilizer, slowing internal organs and the heart rate while lowering the amount of stress hormones in the body. It can increase circulation which brings a number of sleep-improving benefits, including delivering more oxygen to the muscles and extremities and reducing mental stress. The recommended temperature for a hot tub is 103°F, which is well-established as not only a promoter of relaxation and sleep, but also shown to aid in stress relief and improve general mind and body wellness.
After your soak, get ready for bed and relax in a dim room by reading or listening to music. Avoid backlit devices such as computer monitors, televisions, phones, and tablets. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, dark, and cool and never use your bed for anything but sleep and being intimate.
You take care of your hot tub by purchasing a high-grade hot tub cover, and you take care of your brain by getting the proper amount of daily sleep. Find out the difference a hot tub can make in your life by relaxing your nights and revitalizing your days!