Health experts are urging Brits to do one thing before bed to ease cold symptoms and to improve their sleep quality. They say taking a hot bath before putting on your pyjamas could work wonders for your health this winter.
Experts at Victorian Plumbing have teamed up with an NHS GP to reveal the incredible health benefits of soaking in a steamy bath this winter. Dr Hana Patel has explained the reasons why time in the tub can benefit relaxation and wellness.
She said: “Research and evidence show that a warm bath before bed can help a person fall asleep and improve sleep quality.
“The reason for this is that a bath will help lower your core body temperature, and this can help with our circadian sleep signals.”
As the colder months approach and more people suffer from cold and flu symptoms, the NHS website offers advice on steam inhalation to help ease congestion by loosening mucus.
One way to do this is by taking a relaxing soak in the bath, with the warm water helping with steam inhalation.
However, be careful not to burn yourself, always test the water temperature before entering the bath and avoid adding extremely hot water.
If you don’t have a bath, a warm shower can have the same effect too, according to Healthline, as it’s all about the steam production.
Cold symptoms come on gradually over 2 to 3 days and should eventually ease after a week. The main symptoms, according to the NHS website, includes:
- a blocked or runny nose
- sneezing
- a sore throat
- a hoarse voice
- a cough
- feeling tired and unwell
A study by Victorian Plumbing added that not only are baths beneficial in winter months, but 88% of men found that bathing has increased relaxation benefits.
The survey found that 78% of men enjoy a relaxing soak at least once a week, and nearly half (48%) bathe daily.
Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, commented: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy a nice, relaxing bath! Our findings from the study challenge the outdated notion that bathing is primarily a feminine pastime.
“Not only do men recognise the health benefits of regular baths but they also actively enjoy them. So this winter we urge everyone to relax, unwind and warm up with a soak in the bath.”
