There’s nothing quite like coming home from a long day at the office and soaking away your troubles in a piping hot bubble bath. But somewhere along the way many Americans fell out of love with the bathtub.
Now the bathtub’s coming back—and in a big way.
If your home is currently tub-less, here are 6 reasons to consider including a bathtub in your next bathroom renovation.
1. Increased home value
A survey conducted by major renovation contractor NAHB found that 81% of all prospective home buyers would prefer a full bath on the main level. More than half of the respondents stated that the lack of a bathtub would be a deal-breaker.
The National Association of Realtors reports that homes that don’t feature at least one bathtub suffer from a negative impact on resale value.
2. Health benefits
A good hot bath does more than simply combat stress. Baths have been proven to reduce cramps or tension headaches and improve muscle elasticity and skeletal alignment. Additional benefits include increased blood circulation, toxin removal via perspiration, healthier skin and lymph system stimulation for a stronger immune system.
Opting for a bath over a shower can actually reduce your chances of catching a cold.
3. The perfect escape
Taking the time to relax and take your mind off anxieties and worries will produce enormous psychological benefits. Reading a good book while in the tub further enables your thoughts to wander away from financial and emotional stresses to clear your head.
Bath time can provide a true escape from your hectic life – particularly with a glass of your favorite wine!
4. Multi-purpose practicality
Bathing small children or pets is much easier and far less messy when done in the tub. Even if you don’t have plans to put your house on the market any time soon, it’s important to remember that young families will almost never purchase a home that does not feature at least one bathtub.
5. Romance
We won’t get into too many details here but whether you’re bathing alone or with company, a spacious bathtub creates a far more enticing ambience for setting up candles and pouring essential oils and fragrances into the water.
There’s a reason baths are known to be a natural mood-booster!
6. A better night’s sleep
A nice hot soak will relax your muscles and help you unwind, but what you might not know is that there’s a scientific reason why it’s so much easier to get to sleep right after you hop out of the bath.
The process of having your body temperature raised and then subsequently lowered causes your brain to release melatonin, the hormone used by our bodies to induce sleep. This natural sleep aid helps you fall asleep faster and reach REM more quickly, which translates into a more restful slumber—and a better night’s sleep means more energy, happier mornings and an all-around better mood.
