Study on winter swimmers?

In the Huberman Lab, a study on winter swimmers was discussed where participants engaged in a regimen of winter swimming combined with sauna sessions. This study was conducted by Susanna Søberg, who explored the physiological and health implications of routine cold water dips followed by sauna exposure.

Key points from the study include:

1. Regimen: Participants climbed into cold water (up to their necks) for one to two minutes, followed by a sauna session at about 80°C for 10-15 minutes. This process was repeated three times per session, with sessions held two to three times per week 1.
2. Ending on Cold: The study emphasized ending sessions with cold exposure, a principle known as “the Soberg principle." This method is believed to enhance metabolic activity as the body works to generate heat post-exposure 2.
3. Psychological Benefits: There were indications of psychological improvements such as enhanced sleep quality and reduced social anxiety, although these were not formally measured in the study 3.
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     1

     Cold Water Benefits

     01:18:45
     
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     2

     Soberg Principle Explained

     01:55:39
     
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     3

     Psychological Benefits Explored

     01:38:09
     
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     4

     Cold Water Adaptation

     01:26:20
     

This structured approach to cold and heat exposure was shown to potentially activate and improve the efficiency of brown fat and general metabolism among other benefits 4.