In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson dives into the icy depths of cold water immersion. Is it really as good for our health as it’s made out to be? From ice baths to open-water swims, cold water therapy has become a wellness trend, but what does the science actually say?

To find out, Gabby speaks with one of the world’s leading experts in extreme physiology: Professor Mike Tipton. During their conversation, Professor Tipton explains the body’s physiological responses to cold water — including the critical cold shock response — and explores the potential mental health benefits of cold water therapy. They discuss breathwork, safety considerations, and the current scientific understanding of the risks and rewards of this increasingly popular practice.

Throughout the discussion, Professor Tipton emphasizes the importance of a balanced view, noting the anecdotal nature of many claims and the need for further research. Whether listeners are curious about ice baths, cold plunges, or wild swimming, this episode offers a clear, evidence-based look at why cold water therapy has captured so much attention. By the end, Gabby and Professor Tipton leave listeners with practical insights and thoughtful guidance on how to approach cold water immersion safely and effectively.

Professor Tipton has worked at the Universities of London, Surrey, and Portsmouth. He is a visiting professor at King’s College London and SETU Waterford in Ireland. From 1996 to 2004, he served as Consultant Head of the Environmental Medicine Division at the Institute of Naval Medicine. He has published over 850 scientific books, papers, reports, and abstracts on drowning, thermoregulation, environmental and occupational physiology, and survival at sea.

He was a Trustee/Director of Surf Lifesaving GB and is currently a member of the Council of the RNLI, as well as a Consultant to the RNLI’s Medical Director. Professor Tipton has also served as a consultant in survival and thermal medicine to the Royal Air Force, UK Sport, and the English Institute of Sport. He is Chair of the National Water Safety Forum (nationalwatersafety.org.uk) and of Water Safety England. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and a Fellow, Trustee, and President-elect of The Physiological Society (physoc.org). He was awarded his MBE for services to physiological research in extreme environments; the Ireland Medal for saving lives from drowning worldwide; and the H&L Swiftwater rescue lifetime achievement award from the USA.

Tune in to discover how cold water therapy might fit into your routine, and don’t forget to subscribe for more evidence-based wellness conversations.

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For more information about cold water swimming, therapies and immersions:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28833689/

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/23/1332

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30131418/

https://rnli.org/about-us/our-research

https://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/water-safety-england/guidance-for-the-public/open-water-swimming

https://www.rlss.org.uk/blog/top-recommendations-for-safer-open-water-swimming

https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming