Showering at night helps you go to sleep easier and remain asleep longer. Which type of shower induces better sleep, hot or cold?
How Does A Shower Help You Sleep At Night?
In this Summer’s heat and humidity, I find that any time is a good time for a shower! Showering helps me wash off the day, but there’s so much more to it than that: when taken at night, a shower is a super tool that promotes better sleep. Not only can it help me relax for bedtime, but the temperature variations tell my body that it’s time for sleep. Studies have proven the efficacy of bathing or showering at bedtime. Suppose you are used to morning showers only. In that case, this may be the time to consider adding a nighttime shower or swapping your morning shower with an evening one to help you address your sleep challenges, especially during the hot season.
Benefits of a Cold Shower Before Going To Sleep
To prepare for sleep, the body needs to lower its temperature. A cooler environment in the room helps this process. But by taking a cool shower before bed and starting the temperature-lowering process, you’re showing your body that bedtime is near. The cool water helps trick your whole system into sleep mode. Also, studies have shown that cold water can activate the sympathetic nervous system, giving you a boost of noradrenaline and antidepressant hormones. Finally, the cold water helps the body release “good vibes” into the system to promote a better mood, release tension, and easily fall asleep.
Benefits of a Hot Shower Before Going To Sleep
Interestingly, a hot shower before bed can affect body temperature like a cool shower. With a hot shower, you raise your body temperature, but as soon as you get out of the hot water, your temperature starts to drop, which signals to your body that lowering body temperature means sleep time. Also, hot water beating down on your tense muscles from being active all day will encourage them to loosen up. More relaxed muscles mean a more comfortable sleeping experience.
For Better Sleep, Take A Shower Before Bed
A shower helps you disconnect: whether cold or hot, it will calm your mind and body. In the shower, you can shut off the outside world and focus on getting clean and washing away the stress and irritants you encountered during the day. While cold and hot showers have benefits, you must consider what you need the most. A cold shower might be the answer if you’re looking for something like a mood booster or a jolt to the immune system. On the other hand, if you want to sleep better, a warm shower is probably the option to go for. While a cold shower can be taken immediately before bed, the best time to take a hot shower (or bath) is at least one and a half hours before bedtime. This will allow your heart rate to normalize and your body to cool off, inducing a much better sleep experience. Na3iman!
“Take a shower, wash away the bad thoughts, cleanse your body, get into bed, close your eyes, breathe… welcome a good night’s sleep!” Unknown
