5 surprising benefits of cold plunges, according to research – and how to make the most out of them, whether you're out on a wild swim or at home doing a 'James Bond shower'

Cold plunge.

While cold plunges were once reserved for elite athletes pushing their game to its absolute limit, now they're fast becoming a staple part of a healthy lifestyle for many people. This is the result of a realisation that the cold can help us in more ways than one.

Research has found that the cold can help physical health with improvements in circulation, immune system performance and muscle recovery. It can also contribute to better mental health and – perhaps as a part of that – improved sleep, measurable with our list of the best sleep trackers.