How hot baths can help with depression

More of a rare treat for most, a bath could actually do you more good than you think. Find out here how a hot bath can actually help depression.

Depression is a well-known and widespread condition, which nonetheless still eludes the world’s top
scientists. Yet researches at the University of Fribourg have been exploring a new approach: how
taking hot baths can impact on depression.

They studied 45 people suffering from mild to severe depression, dividing them into two groups. The
first took two 40°C baths per week, while the other also performed physical activity twice a week.
After only eight weeks, the depression symptoms of the first group were alleviated by nearly 6%.

Depression causes disturbances in the circadian rhythm, which taking hot baths can help redress.
There is also a proven link between skin temperature and the production of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter involved in depression. So there you have it – regularly taking a nice hot bath is
more than just for treating yourself!