5 Hormonal Benefits of Hot + Cold Plunging at The Cove
Nicholas FaddenIn the heart of West Vancouver, we’re seeing more and more people step into the tubs at The Cove looking to feel recharged, recover faster, and sleep better. But the real magic? It’s happening beneath the surface — inside your hormonal system.
When done properly, hot + cold plunging doesn’t just leave your muscles feeling loose. It works on a deeper level, helping to rebalance hormones that support everything from energy to sleep to stress regulation.
Let’s break down the top 5 hormonal benefits of contrast therapy — and why it’s more than just a cool dip.
1. Boosts Endorphins — Your Natural Mood Enhancer
Jumping into a cold plunge might take your breath away — but that’s also the moment your brain kicks into high gear. The cold shock stimulates a flood of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These same chemicals are linked to improved mood, pain reduction, and that post-plunge buzz that feels like a reset button.
➡️ One of the major benefits of cold plunge therapy is that it can help with mild depression, mental fatigue, and even midday slumps.
2. Balances Cortisol — Reducing Stress Long-Term
Both cold and hot exposure influence the body’s cortisol levels — your primary stress hormone. While cold exposure causes a brief spike in cortisol, it leads to a longer-term reduction over time. The hot plunge, meanwhile, promotes relaxation and parasympathetic activation, calming the nervous system.
➡️ The result? A better response to daily stress, less burnout, and an easier transition into recovery after training or long workdays.
3. Stimulates Growth Hormone — Supporting Repair & Recovery
Research shows that exposure to cold and hot water can increase growth hormone (GH) levels, which plays a major role in muscle repair, metabolism, and tissue regeneration.
At The Cove, we see this benefit amplified when hot + cold plunges are done in rhythm with your training. That’s why our tubs are calibrated to specific temperature ranges — cold between 8–13°C, hot around 42–43°C — to optimize this hormonal cascade.
➡️ Whether you’re an athlete or just want to recover faster, supporting GH naturally is a game-changer.
4. Improves Melatonin Production — Leading to Better Sleep
One of the most consistent things we hear from clients post-plunge?
"I slept like a baby last night."
That’s no coincidence. Alternating hot + cold exposure helps regulate your circadian rhythm and melatonin production — your sleep hormone. The sudden shifts in body temperature trigger thermoregulatory processes that lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
➡️ So if you’re Googling cold plunge near me hoping to fix your sleep, The Cove is the place to start.
5. Regulates Insulin Sensitivity — Helping with Energy and Focus
Contrast water therapy may improve insulin sensitivity — the hormone that controls how your body uses sugar for fuel. Better insulin sensitivity means more stable energy, improved metabolism, and even better focus throughout the day.
➡️ That’s why many of our regulars use their Cove sessions as part of a recovery routine that doesn’t just make them feel better — it makes them sharper.
Ready to Feel the Hormonal Benefits for Yourself?
If you’re searching for the best cold plunge in Vancouver, or even just asking “where’s a cold plunge near me?” — you’ve already found it.
At The Cove, our hot + cold plunge therapy is science-backed, athlete-approved, and accessible to everyone — whether you're training hard, working long hours, or just looking for better sleep and better recovery.
📍 Visit us in Ambleside, West Vancouver
🛁 Book a session at www.covesport.com