When it comes to relaxing activities, few things are more effective than going to the spa. While every spa is different, most provide a highly stress-relieving experience. You can use a hot tub, get a massage, sit in a sauna or try a multitude of other treatments. Therefore, spas are perfect for people in need of sleep. Like many hard workers, you may have found yourself tossing and turning in bed lately. If this is the case, here are four ways regular spa visitation can improve your sleep.
1. Relaxes Muscles
One of the most immediate benefits of spa treatment is muscle relaxation, especially if you get a massage. After all, the direct goal of most massages is to release tension from your muscles. You’re also likely to achieve this form of relaxation from a pool, a hot tub or a sauna. Once the muscles loosen up, you’ll probably feel less pain and bodily stress. This could come in handy when it’s time to go to sleep. Lying in bed can be very uncomfortable when you’re tense, which isn’t conducive to sleep. If you’re used to this tenseness, you may even wonder “what does awake mean?” or “why do I feel so alert when I’m trying to fall asleep? If this is the case, you could have insomnia that prevents you from falling and staying asleep. A great way to let go of sleep-related tension is to get a massage at a spa. This will go a long way towards helping you feel more relaxed during the day and ready to wind down at bedtime.
2. Provides Mental Relief
Going to a spa doesn’t merely affect your body. It can also affect your mind, especially when you’re particularly stressed. For one thing, the environment and aesthetic of a spa are tailored for relaxation. Most of these establishments play relaxing music, display multitudes of plants, use pastel colors and hang beautiful paintings. Many spas also utilize aromatherapy, which involves the use of scents to improve overall health. For instance, these businesses often smell like lavender or tea tree oil. All of this combined creates a space that’s inherently relaxing to the mind. Also, going to a spa provides a break from the stresses of daily life. When you’re lounging in a hot tub or getting a massage, you’re unlikely to be thinking about work. By the time you leave, your mind can be far more ready for bed.
3. Cools Your Body
It’s fairly well known that cold rooms are ideal for sleep. Therefore, you may believe that a spa isn’t great for rest. After all, from hot tubs to saunas, spas tend to involve a lot of heat. However, this heat doesn’t stick with you. In fact, your internal core temperature may drop. This can happen after you leave the intense heat. Because of this, it may be wise to spend a lot of time in a hot tub. Try to get your body as hot as possible. Once you’re done in the pool or sauna, you can use a dipping pool. Many spas have pools specifically for the purpose of cooling guests off. The pool will be pretty cold, but it can feel good after sweltering for a while. If you’re comfortable, it would be best to do this without clothes on. These pools can create a more intense internal temperature change, which may then assist you when it’s time for bed.
4. Produces Serotonin and Dopamine
Massages and hydrotherapy can be found within spas in abundance. Fortunately, these practices tend to lower cortisol levels in visitors. Cortisol is a major stress hormone in the body. Therefore, having high levels of it is rarely good. When cortisol is lowered, other hormones rise. This mainly refers to serotonin and dopamine. Both of these chemicals help to relax the mind and body, especially when you’re stressed out. Serotonin can create happiness and stabilization, both of which may improve sleep. Similarly, dopamine can influence your level of pleasure and conscious thought.
Conclusion
Relaxation is paramount when it comes to sleep. Therefore, you may greatly benefit from regularly visiting a spa. Do some research and find a spa that suits your needs.
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