Has it been days or even weeks since you’ve gotten a good night’s sleep? Have you already tried changing your lifestyle and still have racing thoughts or nagging pain at night that keeps you up? Then it may be time to consider cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy was developed in 1978 as a method to reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Now, cryotherapy sessions help manage a wide variety of issues–including sleep. Not only can cold temperature help bring relief for chronic conditions, but it can also boost your mood.
Read on to learn all about the benefits of cryotherapy and how it can get your sleeping schedule back in order!
WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY TREATMENT?
Cryotherapy may seem like a daunting term, but it really just means “cold therapy.” Cryotherapy can be delivered to your entire body at once or to certain areas of your body instead, particularly if you feel pain in one spot. This localized therapy can use ice packs, baths, probes that target the tissue, and more.
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) requires the use of an enclosure or chamber so that your entire body is exposed to cold air for a few minutes at a time. For two to four minutes, the temperature will dip below negative 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although this can be a surprise to your system at first, your body will be able to adjust to the temperature quickly. You may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but there isn’t any pain, and you’ll be outfitted with special warmers for your extremities and have your temperature carefully monitored.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CRYOTHERAPY?
Now that you know what to expect, here are some of the overall benefits you can enjoy with cryotherapy. Remember that these benefits can help address some of the underlying issues you’ve been having when it comes to getting a good night’s rest, as well as managing pain and injury recovery.
MIGRAINE SYMPTOM REDUCTION
Cryotherapy can help lessen the painful symptoms of migraines. A study in 2013 found that localized cooling of the carotid arteries in the neck significantly helped reduce migraine pain by cooling the blood. If you find that headaches and migraines keep you awake at night, cryotherapy may grant relief.
REDUCING PAIN FROM ARTHRITIS
Whole-body cryotherapy can also help people who are experiencing generalized pain from arthritis. Cryotherapy doesn’t “numb” anything but instead helps improve the body’s natural circulation. Keeping oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood pumping through the body helps to reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
HORMONAL RESPONSE
Living with less pain is phenomenal (especially if you know what it’s like to live in pain), but one of the unique benefits of cryotherapy isn’t just what it does to your muscles, but what it does to your hormones.
Brief exposure to cold temperatures increases hormonal function. The hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins that your body releases enhance the positive feelings that lead to a sense of relaxation afterward. If you experience anxiety or depression, you can also experience some short-term benefit and relief through the release of these hormones.
Noradrenaline is a hormone that people often don’t hear about. As the main neurotransmitter for our nervous system, it has a large role in our feelings and how we respond to stress. For instance, low levels of this hormone can lead to depression, fatigue, lack of concentration, or even ADHD.
Endorphins also have a large role in how our bodies cope with pain and stress. If you’ve ever felt a “runner’s high” after exercising, that’s your endorphins coming in to play. Higher levels of endorphin can help you combat depression and chronic pain.
REDUCING INFLAMMATION
Whole-body cryotherapy also helps the reduction of inflammation throughout your body. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, many people struggle with chronic inflammation from underlying diseases, poor diet, exposure to toxins, and more. Cryotherapy’s cold temperatures help reduce chronic inflammation that causes problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR CRYOTHERAPY
Knowing how cryotherapy benefits sleep is the first step in your journey. Next, it helps to know how to prepare for your first session so you know what to expect.
Cryotherapy is not an activity that you’ll need to do nude or alone, such as tanning. With our large walk-in cryotherapy chambers, it’s more like a cold sauna that you can enjoy alone or with friends.
Wear gloves and socks to protect your extremities, and you’ll want to take off your jewelry or piercings and make sure all of your clothing is dry. Your trained Human Optimization technician will make sure you’re properly attired and ready for your cryotherapy experience.
You’ll want to avoid cryotherapy if you have any of the below:
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Pregnancy
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Severe anemia
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Seizures
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Hyperthyroidism
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Hypertension
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A pacemaker
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Venous thrombosis
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Respiratory disease
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Recent heart surgery
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Peripheral disease
Remember that this list isn’t exhaustive, and you should speak to your Technician or primary care practitioner if you have any concerns about your suitability for cryotherapy.
REAPING THE BENEFITS OF CRYOTHERAPY
When it comes to cryotherapy benefits, you can experience a reduction in pain and a hormonal response that can lead to relaxation, better mental health, and better sleep.
Ready to begin your journey into cryotherapy? The Human Optimization Center offers whole body and localized cryotherapy, as well as compression therapy, red light therapy, and hydromassage, to round out your experience. Since cryotherapy only lasts a few minutes, you can also pair your cryotherapy appointment with even more relaxing services such as hydromassages, sauna appointments, and more.
We’re so excited to help you start your journey towards a pain-free life that we’re offering a special 2 for 1 promotion. For a limited time, book one visit, and get 2 free!
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