Stay with colder showers if you want to sleep better at night.
Though it might not be the best option, having a hot shower before bed might seem like the ideal way to unwind.
Contrary to popular belief, taking a hot shower can actually make it harder for someone to go to sleep.
Hot showers right before bed: an issue
Your body temperature rises when you take a hot shower. While this may feel fantastic right now, it may make it more difficult to fall asleep later.
When evening draws near, your body cools down naturally, helping your brain get the signal that it is time for sleep.
Nevertheless, an excessively hot shower can interfere with this process by boosting your body temperature, making it harder for your body to cool down. This can delay sleep and make it more difficult to fall into a deep, restful sleep.
Disrupts the sleep process
Our bodies follow a natural rhythm called the circadian rhythm, which helps regulate sleep. Part of this rhythm involves the body cooling down at night to prepare for sleep. If you take a hot shower before bed, you might feel warm and cosy, but this warmth can confuse your body. Instead of cooling down as it should, your body stays warm, which can make it harder to fall asleep.
Hot showers can dry out your skin
Another downside to taking hot showers before bed is that they can dry out your skin. Hot water strips away the natural oils that keep your skin moisturised.
This can leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. If you go to bed with dry skin, you might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because you’re uncomfortable.
Hot showers can cause overheating
If your body gets too warm, you might start sweating, even after you’ve gotten out of the shower. Sweating in bed can be uncomfortable and make it harder to sleep. This is especially true if you’re already sleeping in a warm room. Overheating can also cause night sweats, which can wake you up and make it difficult to fall back asleep.
What to do instead
If you still want to shower before bed, consider taking a lukewarm or cool shower instead.
These showers can help lower your body temperature, making it easier for your body to cool down and prepare for sleep. Plus, cooler water is gentler on your skin and less likely to cause dryness.
You can also try other ways to relax before bed, such as reading a book, doing some light stretching, or listening to calming music. These activities can help you wind down without raising your body temperature.