Cold-Water Swimming and Sauna - Can hot and cold therapies boost mental health?

If you’ve ever wondered whether the cold‑water swimming craze is a genuine brain booster or just a very chilly fad, this episode is for you. New Scientist journalists Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson plunge into the science behind cold dips, ice baths and saunas, asking whether they really can lift mood, protect the brain and build resilience, or if a warm pool and a chat with friends would do just as much.

Along the way, Cat and Helen explore why so many people feel transformed by getting into very cold water, and what might really be driving those post‑swim highs. Is it something special happening inside the brain and body or the simple magic of nature, community and ritual?

They’re joined by Professor Mike Tipton, a world‑leading expert in how our bodies respond to extreme environments. Together, they ask: in an age of central heating and air conditioning, have we made ourselves too comfortable for our brains and bodies’ own good?

We want to hear your thoughts, leave a comment or send in your ideas for future episodes to [email protected]

Learn more about Cold-water swimming:https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506082-cold-water-swimming-has-benefits-for-the-brain-as-well-as-the-body/

Learn more about our sponsor Alzheimer’s Society: ⁠⁠https://www.newscientist.com/alzheimers-society/⁠⁠

Produced by Emily Bird