Heat can affect us in many ways. A little bit of heat can be beneficial, but too much heat can be dangerous, especially if you have certain underlying medical conditions.
Hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, and even hot tubs can be relaxing. But if you find yourself getting dizzy from hot water and steam, you’ll want to take some precautions.
Heat can affect us in many ways. A little bit of heat can be beneficial, but too much heat can be dangerous, especially if you have certain underlying medical conditions.
Why does hot bathing make you dizzy?
Taking a warm bath or sitting in a steam room can have health benefits. The heat dilates your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and easily throughout your body.
But people with underlying heart, nerve, or circulatory problems may develop worrying symptoms like dizziness if the water is too hot.
Prolonged exposure to water and steam (whether in a bath, shower, sauna, or hot tub) that is too hot can change the way your body functions, negating any benefits from warm water therapy.
One study found that hot water increased your heart rate by 32% and the amount of blood your heart pumps with each beat by 44%. These numbers may sound good, but if you have a condition that makes your body unable to tolerate large changes in heart rate or blood pressure, you may experience dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
Temperature can also affect your nervous system, causing changes in the part of the nervous system that controls different functions. This change can lead to miscommunication somewhere in your broader nervous system, and dysfunction in your nervous system can complicate this process.
People with autonomic nervous system dysfunction in particular need to be aware of the temperature around them. Since the autonomic nervous system helps regulate body temperature, autonomic nervous system dysfunction can quickly lead to dangerous changes in body temperature.
What can you do to prevent dizziness in a hot bath?
If you know you get dizzy in a hot bath, there are a number of things you can do to prevent dizziness.
If you have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, manage your condition by taking steps such as increasing your water and salt intake. Avoid taking a hot bath when you are dehydrated or tired, as this can increase your risk.
If you have known heart disease, be sure to follow the treatment plan developed with your healthcare professional.
Some tips that may help
Controlling your environment and minimizing the risk of falling is important for people who experience dizziness when taking a hot bath. Here are some steps you can take to try to make your hot (or warm) bath as safe as possible:
- Drink a glass of water before you take a bath.
- Set a temperature limit on your water heater to avoid the temptation of water that is too hot.
- Install grab bars in your shower to help you stay balanced.
- Put a shower chair inside or next to the shower so you can quickly find a place to relieve yourself if you get dizzy.
- Use a non-slip mat in your shower to try to prevent falls if you get dizzy and lose your balance.
- Consider adding guards or padding around faucets and other fixtures in the bathroom if you have a history of fainting after experiencing dizziness.
- Keep a medical alert device nearby and within reach in case you become dizzy or faint in the shower and need help.
- Open a window in the bathroom when showering, if available.
