It’s no secret that there are many health benefits associated with owning a pet, but these studies focus on only traditional pets like cats and dogs. However, have you ever wondered why many health clinics and doctor offices have a fish aquarium? It is because they also have health benefits, and here is how an aquarium benefits you.
Decreased Stress Levels
Many studies have linked being in nature, and better wellbeing and a few studies have shown that people felt happier when they visited parks with many birds or butterflies. This effect was also seen in a 2015 study which indicated that people who saw more fish in an aquarium felt more relaxed and happier.
Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential for the human body because it gives the body time to rest, heal and consolidate memories. Getting better sleep is becoming harder with our busy lives. However, watching your fish in an aquarium helps your body and mind calm down so that you can fall asleep.
Decreased blood pressure and heart rate
Studies have shown that looking at a fish tank lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. Surprisingly, even an empty aquarium can decrease your heart rate by 3% whereas an aquarium with fish can cause a 7% reduction. If you have any heart issues, you might want to have an aquarium in your home.
Pain and Anxiety Reduction
You will agree with me that watching fish is almost hypnotic. It slows down your heart rate and blood pressure as you feel your worries and anxieties disappear. A study showed that having an aquarium in a dental clinic waiting room decreased the amount of pain medication needed afterwards.
Calming Effect in Alzheimer’s patients
A study conducted among patients with Alzheimer’s at Purdue University showed that the presence of a fish tank improved alertness, mood and appetite among Alzheimer’s patients and reduced aggressive behaviour.