Ask HN: Cold Showers and Other Tricks

[slindstr]

I really love surfing, so recently I decided to start taking cold showers so it wouldn't be a huge shock when I jumped in the water in the winter months. Wetsuit, or no wetsuit, believe me when I say that it's still a "special" feeling the first time cold water splashes you when you paddle out.

Anyways, I happened to take a cold shower one night before going to bed and I had the most amazing night's sleep. Since then I've been religiously taking a cold shower before bed and it's great.

I just wanted to share this trick because I'm sure there's some people out in HN land that have a tough time with sleep. I was also hoping you could share any tricks like this that you use in your life.

Thanks!

[lwhi]

The times I've tried this, I've felt quite warm afterwards. It definitely helps circulation.

Takes a lot of getting used to though - it's quite difficult to concentrate on getting clean when your body's concentrating on trying to breath :)

[slindstr]

I couldn't agree more on both points! Luckily since I'm in Florida, our water doesn't get that cold, but it gets cold enough to make me yelp every time I jump in.

[markstansbury]

I prefer whiskey and crying.

[lwhi]

I prefer self-flagellation.

[lwhi]

:)

[oziumjinx]

Were you able to fall asleep faster or just had a deeper more refreshing sleep?

When you woke up, did you feel more rested?

Was it easier to get out of bed?

Just wondering what it was that made it "amazing".

[slindstr]

I fall asleep faster and I feel great the next morning (not as groggy). I'm not sure if I used to have trouble staying asleep, but I know for sure I had a real tough time falling asleep in the first place. Either way, I feel more energetic throughout the day now.

[dcaldwell]

I just heard Tim Ferris suggest this on his Mixergy interview about his new book.

[slindstr]

Here's link to that interview if anyone's interested: http://mixergy.com/timothy-ferriss-four-hour-body-interview/

I'll have to check out his book to see what else he says about it. Thanks!

[eswat]

I haven’t finished the book yet but the chapter where he discusses the effects of cold temperatures on the body was the most interesting to me, being a Canadian.

But I’ll skip the cold showers and ice baths. I get my share of shivering by just walking outside. ;)

[lukeinth]

Will try a "special" shower tonight, let you know if it works for me.