The most important thing to keep in mind when planning to take a cold bath is not to do it alone. “That’s never a good idea,” says Jessica Norrbom, who researches work physiology at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.
“There is a risk that you will become very cold and will no longer be able to cope with it, for example having difficulty getting up,” she says.
It may also be worth considering not staying in the water for too long, especially when you are at the top. A cold bath triggers a stress response in the body and it’s good to pay attention to how it reacts.
– If you suffer from heart problems, you should definitely not take a cold bath. For most people, there’s no danger, but if you have any heart problems, you’re at increased risk of disruption, says Jessica Norrbom.
According to her, there are no proven physical health effects of taking a cold bath. Although the rush of stress can make you feel energized.
– What you could see in some studies is more psychological in nature. That you feel that it is beautiful or that you have overcome a challenge. But there is no evidence that it has any particular physical benefit, but rather it depends on how it feels, she says.
What about blood circulation? Can it be improved by cold baths?
– Then it’s more like a sauna. What happens when we are cold is exactly the opposite. The vessels narrow and blood circulation becomes poorer.
Anyone who finds cold baths unpleasant can do without them with a clear conscience. If you still want to take a bath, we recommend a hat, gloves and bathing shoes.
Lowering the head does not pose any particular danger as long as there are no heart problems.
– It may cause an even greater reduction in heart rate. So if you have underlying heart problems, it can increase the risk of arrhythmias. However, no difference can be observed in healthy people, says Jessica Norrbom.
Read more: New study: Sleeping pills can affect sleep
