Did you know, apart from the countless physical benefits of cryotherapy, studies have found regular sessions could also help to improve mental wellness? The extreme cold causes the brain to release a higher than usual level of endorphins and other ‘feel good’ hormones that enhance mood and boost energy.
Here, we share 5 ways whole body cryotherapy could help to manage your mental wellbeing:
- Reduce feelings of anxiety – a study from 2008 found after around three weeks of regular cryotherapy, the participants had a significant decrease in the severity of their depressive and anxiety symptoms. Find out more here
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Anti-inflammatory – there is evidence that suggests cryotherapy may reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with dementia and other mental illnesses. Research from 2018 found its participants showed improvements after 10 Whole Body Cryotherapy sessions, over a two week period. Find out more in this study here
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Migraine relief –with stress can come migraines, this study explored whether targeted cryotherapy that focuses on the neck could help to prevent and reduce the pain of migraine headaches, the results proved to be promising. Check out the full research here
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Improved sleep – consistent cryotherapy sessions have been linked to better quality of sleep, which plays a major part in our mental health. This research explored the effects cryotherapy has on sleep post -exercise. It found the participants sleep quality ,following whole body cryotherapy, was significantly better than the control group who didn’t undergo any sessions. The use of 3-min whole body cryotherapy improved the subjective and objective sleep quality in, which may have been due to greater pain relief and improved parasympathetic nervous activity.
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Reduces Pain – physical pain can have a huge impact on the way you’re feeling mentally. A study from the early 2000s explored the impact cryotherapy can have on rheumatoid diseases. Participants reported a significant decrease in pain levels after the cold therapy was applied. Find out more about this study here
