Struggling with sleep? Cryotherapy might help. Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) uses extreme cold to improve sleep by calming your nervous system, regulating sleep hormones, and reducing pain. Sessions last just 3–5 minutes, with temperatures as low as -85°C. Here’s how it works and why it could help you sleep better:
- Calms the body: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system to lower stress and relax muscles.
- Balances hormones: Supports your natural sleep-wake cycle and reduces anxiety.
- Eases pain: Reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, promoting restful sleep.
- Boosts recovery: Improves blood flow and aids recovery, helping you wake up refreshed.
The Cryo Hub in Berkhamsted offers tailored cryotherapy plans, with afternoon/evening sessions between 14:00–19:00 being ideal for sleep improvement. This is because the post-Cryo ‘high’ as neurotransmitters are boosted natually fades leading to the ideal conditions for deep sleep. Pairing treatments with good sleep habits like hydration, avoiding caffeine, avoiding alcohol (sorry!) and maintaining a cool bedroom leads to the best results.
The health benefits of cryotherapy
How Cryotherapy Affects Sleep
Whole-body cryotherapy can improve sleep quality by triggering specific physiological responses to controlled cold exposure. These effects help explain why The Cryo Hub’s electric cryochamber supports better sleep. Let’s break down how these responses contribute to more restful nights.
Relaxation Through Cold Exposure
When exposed to the extremely low temperatures in a cryochamber, your body activates the parasympathetic nervous system – its natural way of calming down. This leads to:
- A slower heart rate and lower blood pressure
- Reduced muscle tension
- Lower production of stress hormones
The electric chamber’s even temperature distribution ensures these effects are consistent throughout the session.
Impact on Sleep Hormones
Cryotherapy can also stabilise your sleep-wake cycle by improving mood and reducing anxiety. Cold exposure helps regulate hormones related to sleep, supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythms.
Improved Blood Flow and Recovery
Cryotherapy boosts blood flow in a unique way. During treatment, blood is redirected from your extremities and then flows back afterward. This process:
- Eases inflammation
- Promotes muscle recovery
- Relieves tension that might disrupt sleep
Regular sessions at The Cryo Hub have been linked to better sleep patterns and reduced muscle fatigue [1]. Together, these benefits can help minimise night-time pain and lead to more restorative rest.
Sleep Improvements from Cryotherapy
Whole-body cryotherapy can make a noticeable difference in sleep quality. By using controlled cold exposure, it taps into your body’s natural processes to promote better nightly rest.
Less Stress and Worry
The Cryo Hub’s advanced cryochamber is designed to reduce mental tension through brief, controlled cold exposure. In just 3–5 minutes, cryotherapy can stimulate neurotransmitters and hormones that improve mood and lower anxiety levels[1]. The chamber also allows for movement, stretching, or even meditation during the session, amplifying its relaxing effects.
One user shared their experience:
"I was surprised at how easy it was – nothing like the freezing cold of going into an ice bath. And the feeling you get afterwards… just WOW!" – The Cryo Hub[1]
These mental health benefits complement the physical relief cryotherapy offers.
Reduced Pain at Night
Cryotherapy’s ability to reduce inflammation can be a game-changer for those dealing with discomfort that disrupts sleep. It has been shown to help with arthritis pain, post-workout muscle soreness, and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. At The Cryo Hub, treatment plans are tailored with input from on-site physiotherapists to target specific pain areas, paving the way for a more peaceful night[1].
Better Sleep and Next-Day Energy
Consistent sessions can create a positive cycle: better sleep leads to more energy during the day, and improved energy supports healthier sleep patterns. Cryotherapy helps regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle and boosts daytime alertness.
Interestingly, a single 3–5 minute session can burn 500–800 calories, which may naturally encourage evening tiredness[1]. To maximise these benefits, The Cryo Hub suggests making cryotherapy a regular part of your wellness routine. Their full-body electric cooling system ensures consistent results, promoting better sleep and sustained energy throughout the day.
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Getting Started with Sleep-Focused Cryotherapy
Best Times for Treatment
Afternoon/Evening sessions between 14:00 and 19:00 are ideal, as they align with the body’s natural cooling process that prepares it for sleep. Morning sessions, on the other hand (8:00–10:00), can help lower cortisol levels, which may improve stress management during the day [1]. Avoid scheduling sessions within 90 minutes of bedtime to prevent disrupting your sleep routine. Sticking to consistent session timings is key.
Regular Session Schedule
The Cryo Hub suggests the following schedule to maximise benefits:
| Week | Session Frequency | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2–3 times weekly | -85°C | 3 minutes |
| 5+ | Weekly maintenance | -85°C | 3–5 minutes |
A 2023 study found that 78% of participants experienced better sleep continuity after completing eight sessions [1]. The electric chamber ensures precise temperature control, delivering reliable outcomes during every session.
Supporting Sleep Habits
To get the most out of your cryotherapy sessions, pair them with good sleep practices. Timing your sessions and following pre- and post-treatment routines can make a big difference.
Before your session:
- Drink electrolyte-infused water to stay hydrated.
- Take a short walk to prepare your body.
- Avoid caffeine for at least four hours beforehand.
After your session:
- Wear blue-light blocking glasses to reduce screen exposure.
- Maintain a bedroom temperature of around 18°C for optimal comfort.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, such as 22:00–06:00.
For an added boost, try The Cryo Hub’s Sleep Stack protocol, which includes magnesium supplements to support better sleep [1]. If you’re a shift worker, schedule your cryotherapy session about an hour before your planned sleep time to fit your unique schedule.
The Cryo Hub‘s Sleep Treatment Features
The Cryo Hub offers advanced sleep treatments through specialised approaches designed to improve rest quality.
Full-Body Treatment Advantages
The chamber provides full-body immersion, including head exposure, which activates the vagus nerve to encourage a relaxation response. Research indicates that full-body sessions can enhance sleep depth by 30% compared to treatments that exclude the head [1].
Its design allows natural movement and features an ambient music system to create a comfortable and relaxing environment, contributing to improved sleep quality.
Precision Temperature Control in the Electric Chamber
Beyond full-body benefits, precise temperature regulation plays a key role in improving sleep. The Cryo Hub’s electric cooling system maintains temperatures between -80°C and -85°C, with a tight ±5°C accuracy [1].
| Feature | Sleep Benefit |
|---|---|
| 360° Airflow System | Ensures even cooling for consistent relaxation |
| AI-Driven Sensors | Adjusts temperatures in real time, avoiding cold spots |
| Fresh Air System | Maintains oxygen levels for easy, comfortable breathing |
A 2022 trial found this design improved sleep continuity by 22% compared to standard systems [1]. This precise control works well with personalised sessions to further enhance sleep outcomes.
Customised Treatment Plans
For those with irregular sleep schedules, like shift workers, the Wind-Down Mode protocol has delivered impressive results. One case showed a 50% faster sleep onset and 90% fewer nighttime awakenings after six weeks of consistent use [1].
Conclusion
Whole body cryotherapy has shown promise in improving sleep by enhancing recovery, reducing inflammation, and promoting better rest. Regular sessions can be an effective way to address sleep issues and improve overall well-being.
At The Cryo Hub, the electric cryochamber offers consistent full-body immersion, including the head, designed to maximise relaxation. With expert guidance, personalised sessions can help individuals struggling with sleep.
For the best outcomes, The Cryo Hub suggests:
- Work with the Cryo Team to create a customised sleep plan
- Stick to regular sessions lasting 3–5 minutes
- Practise good sleep hygiene habits
"Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) provides pain relief, aids in faster recovery, strengthens the immune system, enhances mood and improves sleep quality" [1].
Incorporating these steps could lead to better sleep and a noticeable boost in daily energy levels.
FAQs
How can cryotherapy enhance sleep quality, and is it safe to use for better rest?
Cryotherapy has been shown to support better sleep by helping to regulate the body’s stress response and promoting relaxation. Exposure to extremely cold temperatures during Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) triggers the release of endorphins and reduces inflammation, which can help calm the nervous system and improve overall sleep quality. Additionally, the cooling effect may aid in lowering core body temperature, a key factor in preparing the body for restful sleep.
At The Cryo Hub, our state-of-the-art cryochamber ensures a safe and consistent experience by using electricity to maintain even temperatures throughout the chamber, including full immersion of the head. This advanced setup provides a controlled and effective environment for maximising the potential sleep benefits of cryotherapy. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about its suitability for your specific needs.
What can I expect during my first cryotherapy session at The Cryo Hub, and how should I prepare?
During your first cryotherapy session at The Cryo Hub, you’ll step into a state-of-the-art whole-body cryochamber designed to immerse your entire body, including your head, in a consistent, electrically-cooled environment. Unlike other methods, this ensures a uniform temperature without sudden gradients, offering a more comfortable and effective experience.
You’ll be provided with protective gear like gloves, masks, and headbands, and you can wear your own comfortable workout clothes or use the shorts and tops provided. Before entering, your skin temperature will be checked, and an operator will guide you through the process, staying nearby to support you throughout. Importantly, the chamber is not locked, so you can exit at any time if needed.
The dry cold is much gentler than cold water immersion, allowing you to move, stretch, or even meditate during the session. This makes it a relaxing yet invigorating experience, perfect for first-timers looking to enjoy the benefits of cryotherapy.
How can cryotherapy help improve sleep, and is it suitable for specific sleep disorders?
Cryotherapy has been shown to support better sleep by promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and helping to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. The Cryo Hub’s state-of-the-art whole body cryochamber fully immerses users, including the head, ensuring consistent cooling across the body. This immersive experience may help alleviate issues such as insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
By lowering core body temperature and releasing endorphins, cryotherapy can create a calming effect that prepares the body for restful sleep. Its unique use of electricity rather than gas ensures a stable and uniform temperature, enhancing the overall experience and potential benefits for those struggling with specific sleep difficulties.
