A recent medical study: Taking a warm bath helps overcome depression
A recent medical study found that taking an afternoon bath contributed to a sustained improvement in mood among people with depression. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Freiburg in Germany, and published in the journal New Scientist. Normally, core body temperature rises during the day and decreases at night, and this nocturnal decrease helps us sleep by promoting the release of the hormone melatonin. In the case of depression, this temperature rhythm is more disturbed. In the study of 45 people suffering from depression, some either soaked in 40-degree water for up to 30 minutes, then wrapped themselves in blankets and hot water bottles for another 20 minutes, or did 40 to 45 minutes of exercise twice a week. the week. After eight weeks, the people who took regular warm baths in the afternoon scored six points lower on a depression scale, while the exercise group scored three points lower on average..
Although the study was small, it may indicate that body temperature can be used to regulate our circadian rhythms.
Other studies have indicated that taking a warm bath before bed helps sleep, by expanding blood vessels in the skin, which helps the body get rid of excess heat.
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