Hot spring bathing is associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension among Japanese older adults: a cross-sectional study in Beppu

Abstract

Hot spring bathing is practiced to help manage various diseases, including hypertension. We investigated the preventive effects on hypertension of hot spring bathing among older adults in a data analysis using responses to a previous questionnaire with the aim to identify a novel approach in the prevention and management of hypertension. Among 10,428 adults aged ≥ 65 years, we assessed the hot spring bathing habits of 4001 individuals with a history of hypertension. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals using a multivariable logistic regression model for history of hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression, age (≥ 85 years: OR, 1.410); history of arrythmia (OR, 1.580), stroke (OR, 1.590), gout (OR, 1.880), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.470), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.680), renal disease (OR, 1.520), chronic hepatitis (OR, 0.648); and hot spring bathing at 19:00 or later (OR, 0.850) were independently and significantly associated with hypertension during the lifetime. We found an inverse relationship between habitual nighttime hot spring bathing and a history of depression. Prospective randomized controlled trials on nighttime hot spring bathing as a treatment for hypertension are warranted to investigate whether nighttime hot spring bathing can help in preventing hypertension among adults aged ≥ 65 years.

Night-time hot spring bathing is associated with a lower systolic blood pressure among Japanese older adults: A single-institution retrospective cohort study

“…To date, only one study has investigated the association between habitual night-time hot spring bathing and a lower prevalence of hypertension (Yamasaki et al 2022). The present study showed, for the rst time, that night-time hot spring bathing decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the morning, especially systolic blood pressure.…”

“…The present study showed that hypertension (OR 0.397) was independently and signi cantly associated with night-time hot spring bathing. We previously identi ed an inverse relationship between habitual night-time hot spring bathing and a history of hypertension (Yamasaki et al 2022). These results support our hypothesis that habitual night-time hot spring bathing protects against hypertension development and may be suitable for older patients to prevent hypertension.…”

“…The uptake of hot spring bathing has expanded globally in Japan and Asia. Recently, Yamasaki et al (2022) reported an inverse relationship between habitual night-time hot spring bathing and a lower prevalence of hypertension. However, the details of the relationship between hot spring bathing and hypertension remain unknown.…”

Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan

“…Previous studies have reported that hot spring bathing is related to a reduced prevalence of hypertension [ 22 ]. In addition, it is known that psychosocial stress leads to the development of hypertension [ 23 , 24 ].…”

Effects of bathing in different hot spring types on Japanese gut microbiota

“…Some previous studies have reported that hot spring therapy may benefit sleep quality and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal and skin diseases 3 – 5 . Several papers have also reported the effectiveness of bathing in hot springs in alleviating cardiovascular disease and hypertension 6 – 12 . Hot spring use is recommended for medical patients who have particular symptoms, including symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, ear, nose, throat, or skin; gynecological symptoms; and rheumatological symptoms 13 – 15 .…”