Cold reduces stress, raises mood and revitalizes. Cold water helps stimulate the chemicals in our brain. These chemicals control our emotions, concentration and alertness. Cold water causes a stress reaction when the body begins to secrete the stress hormones – adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. At the same time, increased levels of the pleasure hormones endorphin, serotonin and dopamine are also released.

Cold improves sleep quality. In Finland, ice swimming has always been seen as a cure for aches, stress and Sleep problems. The effect of cold releases serotonin, which helps alleviate difficulty sleeping. Long, high-quality sleep is important for everyone but it is especially important for competitive athletes who need to be in optimal condition almost every day. Today, more and more attention is being paid to recovery, rest and sleep as part of an athlete’s overall coaching plan and wellbeing.

A more scientific approach and studies among ice swimmers reveal that there are a number of causes behind the positive effects of cold water. Cold water baths have been successfully used, for example, in the treatment of postpartum Depression. Studies have also shown that regular cold exposure has sometimes even been effective in cases where medication has not worked.