Cold water can be a way to combat depression

The main interest for medicine is the work of skin receptors, which, when abruptly cooled, send a powerful stream of electrical impulses to the brain. This process stimulates the production of specific hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for vitality and stress resistance. Until recently, it was believed that a long stay in water was required to achieve a lasting psychological effect, but new data refute this belief.

A study conducted at the University of Chichester aimed to find the minimum necessary time for immersion. The experiment involved 121 volunteers, all of whom were students who were experiencing feelings of depression and exhaustion at the time of the study. The study was conducted in a natural setting, in seawater at a temperature of 13.6 degrees Celsius. It was important to note that the participants were well-trained, despite their low emotional state.

The researchers compared three different immersion durations: five minutes, ten minutes, and twenty minutes. The results, published in the journal Lifestyle Medicine, showed that a five-minute immersion was sufficient to significantly improve mood. Psychological tests conducted immediately after the participants returned to shore revealed an increase in vitality and a decrease in anxiety in all groups. However, the difference in effect between the five-minute and twenty-minute dives was minimal.

The biological reason for this rapid response lies in the intensity of the initial exposure. The most significant release of norepinephrine and dopamine occurs during the first minutes of exposure to cold. Norepinephrine helps to focus attention and increase energy levels, while dopamine is responsible for feelings of reward and satisfaction. Five minutes is enough for these substances to reach the necessary concentration in the brain and change a person’s well-being.

The advantage of short sessions is their safety for the thermoregulation system. Prolonged exposure to water below 15 degrees can lead to hypothermia, even in trained individuals. Limiting the time to five minutes allows for the full benefits of cold therapy while minimizing the strain on the heart and the risk of lowering the internal body temperature. This makes the method more accessible for those who are just starting to practice cold therapy.

Experts emphasize that this method is suitable for physically healthy people. Sudden cooling is a strong physiological stress that requires a stable cardiovascular system. Despite the proven benefits for mood, it is recommended to undergo a basic medical examination before starting such practices to rule out any hidden heart or vascular pathologies.