People who practice cold-water immersion may experience stress reduction after exposure, have a decrease in sickness absences, and see improvements in sleep — but only for a limited time, a review finds.

Researchers have examined the increasingly popular practice of cold-water immersion – things like taking a cold shower or sitting in an ice bath – to see whether there’s any scientific basis for claiming that it has a positive effect on health and well-being.

Cold showers or ice baths have become a trendy way to recuperate after a heavy-duty workout, but do they actually help?

A new study found that cold-water immersion offers a number of short-lived potential health benefits. In the 12 hours after cold-water immersion, participants had reduced stress levels. Brief cold showers were associated with a slightly higher quality of life.

Cold-water immersion reduces stress and may improve sleep, but effects fade quickly. Some people report feeling healthier.

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer People swear by the health benefits of cold-water immersion—polar plunges, cold showers, and ice baths—but a new study found that the science is inconclusive.While cold-water immersion may help with muscle soreness,