Is cold-water immersion good for our health?

Cold-water immersion is increasingly popular among athletes and wellness warriors. But how much of the hype is backed by science?

In the most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind, University of South Australia researchers have taken a deep dive into the effects of cold-water immersion on health and well-being. The review is published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Analyzing data from 11 studies with 3,177 participants, researchers found that cold-water immersion may lower stress, improve sleep quality, and boost quality of life.

Cold-water immersion involves immersing the body partially or fully in cold water, in temperatures typically ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, and in this study, data was only included if exposure was at or above chest level, and for a minimum time of 30 seconds. It included cold showers, ice baths and cold plunges.

In this study, researchers noted a range of time-dependent results. Firstly, they found that cold-water immersion could reduce stress levels, but for only about 12 hours post exposure.

They  also noted that participants who took 20, 60, or 90 second cold showers reported slightly higher quality of life scores. But again, after three months, these effects had faded.

Benefits may be gained from cold showers as well, with one study reporting that participants who took regular cold showers experiencing a 29% reduction in sickness absence.

They  also found some links to cold-water immersion and better sleep outcomes, but the data was restricted to males, so its broader application is limited.

And while there have been many claims that cold-water immersion experiences can boost your immunity and mood, the researchers found very little evidence to support these claims.

The study also showed that cold-water immersion caused a temporary increase in inflammation.

The immediate spike in inflammation is the body's reaction to the cold as a stressor. It helps the body adapt and recover and is similar to how exercise causes muscle damage before making muscles stronger, which is why athletes use it despite the short-term increase.

Caution: Knowing this, people with pre-existing health conditions should take extra care if participating in cold-water immersion experiences as the initial inflammation could have detrimental health impacts.

Researchers say that while the findings highlight the potential benefits of cold-water immersion, they also underscore the highly time-dependent and contextual nature of its effects.

"Whether you are an elite athlete or everyday wellness seeker—it's important to understand the effects of what you put your body through," say the researchers.

They also add that right now, there isn't enough high-quality research to say exactly who benefits most or what the ideal approach is to cold-water immersion. More long-term studies, among more diverse populations, are needed to understand its lasting effects and practical applications.

Tara Cain et al, Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317615