Retired NFL quarterback Drew Brees, a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame inductee, has revealed a biohacking ritual that he credits with improving his sleep and mental clarity: contrast therapy. This practice involves alternating between hot sauna sessions and cold plunges.
Brees, who is also an NFL game analyst for Fox Sports, described himself as a "huge sauna, cold plunge advocate and fan." He stated, "Bottom line is I feel great. I sleep better. I think clear, so I think there’s a lot of benefits to it." The 47-year-old father of four incorporates this routine as part of his ongoing commitment to wellness, even after retiring from professional football in 2021.
Contrast therapy, an ancient practice, is currently experiencing a resurgence in the wellness community. Scientific literature suggests that alternating between heat and cold can offer several benefits. According to Dr. Hany Demian, CEO of BioSpine, heat therapy, such as saunas or warm baths, can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Subsequent cold exposure may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Additionally, heat exposure before bedtime may aid in lowering core body temperature, which is linked to improved sleep quality.
Beyond contrast therapy, Brees maintains his physical health through an active lifestyle. While he still prioritizes lower body workouts, he also engages in cross-training activities outside the gym, including swimming, surfing, hiking, and mountain biking. "The more you can move, the better," he remarked.
Diet also plays a significant role in his health regimen. Brees follows a "common sense dieter" approach, emphasizing whole foods. "The more you eat what’s out of the ground, and not coming in a package, the better," he advised.
Managing severe peanut and egg allergies, which he discovered early in his NFL career, is another key aspect of his health focus. To help others with allergies, Brees has partnered with neffy, an FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray designed to offer a needle-free alternative for allergic reactions. He aims to raise awareness and preparedness for managing allergies, drawing from his own experiences throughout his professional career.
