HOT baths work faster than exercise in treating depression, according to research from Freiburg University, Germany.
In an eight-week trial, 45 patients had twice weekly hot baths or exercise sessions, which are known to help with depression by releasing mood-boosting hormones. The study, published in BMC Psychiatry, found that depression symptoms dropped by 30 per cent after two weeks for those taking baths; it took six to eight weeks for exercise to have the same effect.
The thinking is that raising body temperature causes changes in the body clock (known to be altered in people with depression). The researchers believe hot baths may help those with mild depression, but more research is needed.
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