The Science of Sea Air

For centuries, the seaside has been prescribed as a remedy for just about everything… but is this really true?

Long before wellness retreats and spa breaks became part of our vocabulary, doctors were sending patients to the coast to breathe fresh air, bathe in seawater, and simply spend time by the shore.

Throughout the Victorian era, doctors prescribed sea air and saltwater bathing as legitimate medical treatments, believing a trip to the coast could improve everything from anxiety to arthritis. Entire seaside resorts were built around the premise of better health, complete with bathing machines that wheeled modest swimmers into the sea and grand promenades designed for leisurely constitutional walks. Of course, plenty of Victorians probably visited for the same reason we do today. Fish and chips, an ice cream, and a break from everyday life. A jolly good holiday! But while modern medicine has left many of those Victorian prescriptions behind, one question remains surprisingly current: Why does it feel so good to be by the sea?

It turns out the answer isn't one magical ingredient. Perhaps these sea bathers were truly onto something: the combination of nature, movement, environment, and the simple act of slowing down.

Being by the sea forces you to slow down, undeniably. Researchers have become increasingly interested in what's known as ‘blue spaces’. These are natural environments dominated by water, such as seas, lakes and rivers. Studies suggest that spending time around blue spaces is associated with lower stress levels, improved mood, and greater feelings of wellbeing.

Part of this may simply be because these environments encourage healthy behaviours. We tend to walk more, spend more time outdoors, and put our phones away more often when we're near the sea. You know, really feel that sand between our toes. In other words, the coast gently encourages us to do many of the things we know are good for us anyway.

And the sound of the waves plays a part too. If you take out your AirPods and listen to the tide, the ocean creates what’s referred to as ‘soft fascination’, which is a gentle form of attention that holds our focus without being super demanding. Instead of overwhelming the brain, these repetitive natural sounds allow it to relax. It's one reason so many people use recordings of rainfall or ocean waves to fall asleep. It literally puts our brain into peace mode.

But the air itself is arguably just as important. Admittedly, it isn’t dramatically richer in oxygen than inland, but it does contain tiny droplets of mineral-rich seawater that are carried by the wind. Oh, and less stifling urban pollution too.

Here’s where it gets sciencey. Have you heard of negative ions? Electrically charged particles produced naturally by crashing waves and waterfalls? Some researchers have suggested they may contribute to improved mood or a greater sense of wellbeing, although the evidence is still mixed and scientists continue to explore their role. The gist is: negative ions, positive vibes!

It's easy to wonder whether it's the salt in the air, the minerals in the water, or the sound of the waves that makes us feel better. In reality, it's probably all of them working together, alongside something less tangible. Perhaps just pure seaside magic. And the coastal conditions for rest, of course.

The Victorians may have overstated the healing powers of the salty air, but they were also onto something. Oh, we do like to be beside the seasideeee!