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Hot tubs are designed to be used while awake and falling asleep in a hot tub poses a serious risk of injury or even death.
In this article, I want to get across how important it is to stay awake in a hot tub, no matter how relaxed you might feel.
Hot tubs are a great way to relax and have some measurable health benefits when it comes to stress and relaxation. However, there are still some risks that you need to be aware of so that you can take steps to mitigate them. Let’s take a look at some of the risks involved in hot tub use.
What Are The Risks Of Falling Asleep In A Hot Tub?
There are several ways that falling asleep in a hot tub can be dangerous, these include;
Drowning:
The number one risk when you are doing any activity that involves deep water is drowning. Under normal circumstances, your body is likely to wake you up if you slip under the water, this response can be suppressed if you are intoxicated.
Overheating:
Prolonged exposure to hot water can be dangerous. You risk hyperthermia (the opposite of hypothermia) where your body’s temperature rises to a level which is dangerous. You can develop heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Dehydration:
While this may seem counterintuitive as you are in a body of water, prolonged hot tub use can cause excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration.
Low Blood Pressure:
The heat from a hot tub will cause your blood vessels to dilate, which can cause a large drop in blood pressure, this can cause fainting or dizziness, which then increases your chance of drowning if you fall unconscious in the hot tub.
Cardiovascular Issues
Prolonged use of a hot tub can put a strain on your heart and circulatory system, especially if you already have a heart condition, this increases your risk of a heart attack.
How to Avoid Falling Asleep in a Hot Tub
As you can see from the list of potential risks above, there are some real dangers to falling asleep in a hot tub. However, I use a hot tub almost every evening and I’m still alive! So how do I make sure I don’t fall asleep in a hot tub? I have a few little tricks that help;
To avoid falling asleep in a hot tub, follow these safety tips:
- Limit Soak Time:
Limit your hot tub sessions to 15-20 minutes to prevent overheating. You can go back in later but take a 5-minute break every 15-20minutes. I use a wind-up egg timer to make sure I don’t stay in too long. I also know that the timer will wake me up if I happen to nod off. Some hot tubs even have built-in timers. - Stay Hydrated:
Drink lots of water before, during, and after using the hot tub. This will help you stay hydrated and alert. - Avoid Alcohol and Drugs:
Drugs and alcohol make it much more likely that you will fall asleep. They can also interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. - Monitor Water Temperature:
Maintain a safe water temperature, ideally between 100°F and 104°F (37.7°C to 40°C). The warmer the water is, the more likely you are to feel drowsy. - Use the Hot Tub with Others:
Having someone else with you makes it much less likely that you will fall asleep. - Avoid Hot Tub Use When Extremely Tired:
While you want to relax in your hot tub, you should not use it if you are already very tired or physically exhausted. - Check with a Physician:
If you have any medical condition or are on any medication that causes drowsiness, you should consult with your doctor before using a hot tub.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your hot tub safely and reduce the risk of falling asleep and encountering associated dangers.