Ice-cold bath benefits last just 12 hours

Ice-cold baths and cold-water therapy might be good for us—but the effects are fleeting.

Cold-water immersion reduces stress levels, as its advocates avow, but it lasts for only 12 hours.  The health benefits of a cold shower—such as fewer coughs and colds—can last longer, and for up to three months, say researchers from the University of South Australia.

Paradoxically, an ice bath increases inflammation levels, even though it’s the go-to therapy for athletes who want to avoid muscle damage after a strenuous workout.

The researchers analysed data from 11 studies that had tracked the impact of cold-water immersion on 3,177 people, and concluded that the therapy does lower stress, improves sleep quality and boosts quality of life—but only for a short while.

Cold-water therapy reduces stress levels for just 12 hours, while taking a cold shower for up to 90 seconds improves overall quality of life, but this wears off after three months.

As an icy bath initially increases inflammation levels, people with pre-existing health problems should think twice before plunging in. This paradoxical effect makes sense for a healthy athlete as it trains the body to cope with higher levels of inflammation that helps the body recover after a workout.

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