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Ice Immersion: New Study Reveals Benefits for Sleep, Stress, and Quality of Life

Written by Sara Aquino
Published on 12/02/2025 at 19:38
Descubra como a técnica de imersão em gelo, popular entre atletas, pode melhorar o sono, reduzir o estresse e aumentar a qualidade de vida.
Foto: IA
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The cold water immersion technique, also known as cryoimmersion, has been gaining more and more followers in the world of sports, wellness, and among celebrities.

In addition to aiding muscle recovery and reducing inflammation, a new study published in the scientific journal PLOS One on January 29 revealed that the practice can also provide relief for stress, improve sleep quality, and promote greater well-being.

Cold Water Immersion Reduces Stress For Up To 12 Hours

According to a study conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA), the positive effects of cold water immersion can last about 12 hours after exposure.

Tara Cain, a researcher involved in the study, pointed out that, despite the growing popularity of the technique, there are still gaps in understanding its impacts on the general population.

“Cold water immersion has been widely used in the sports context for recovery, but its effects on well-being are still not fully understood,” said Cain in a press release.

The study also noted that participants who took cold showers lasting 20, 60, or 90 seconds reported a slight improvement in their quality of life.

However, these effects were temporary and disappeared after three months.

Benefits Of Cold Water Immersion For Sleep

Another aspect analyzed by the research was the relationship between cold water immersion and sleep quality.

The data suggest an improvement in this regard, but with a caveat: the benefits were more significant among men, and further research is needed to understand its impact on different groups.

The research reviewed data from 11 studies involving a total of 3,177 participants, reinforcing that the effects of the practice depend on factors such as exposure time and context of application.

More Studies Are Needed

Although the results show that cold water immersion can provide temporary benefits for mental and physical health, experts warn of the need for more in-depth research.

Cain emphasizes that there is still insufficient evidence to define the best approach to this practice.

“Whether you are an elite athlete or someone seeking well-being, it is essential to understand how this practice affects your body. Long-term studies with more diverse populations are crucial to establish the real benefits and applications of cold water immersion,” concludes the researcher.

Cold water immersion remains a promising technique in the world of sports and wellness, but its long-term impact is still being unveiled by science.

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Sara Aquino

Pharmacist and Writer. I write about Jobs, Geopolitics, Economy, Science, Technology, and Energy.

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