It feels so good to go to bed squeaky clean right after a long hot shower. But from a medical point of view, showering before bed is not the best way to get a good night’s sleep. In fact, this seemingly healthy habit may be doing more harm than good.
We decided to dive into the evidence that showering before bed might not be as relaxing as we thought.
Should You Shower Before Bed?
You Might Not Be Able To Fall Asleep Easily
Taking a hot bath before hitting your head on the pillow may seem relaxing, but it can actually interfere with sleep. You rest better when your body temperature is a little lower, and when your body begins to prepare for a good night’s sleep, your temperature drops a bit.
Taking a hot bath will raise your core temperature and confuse your body. If you feel like you can’t go to bed without taking a shower, opt for a warm bath an hour or two before going to hay.
It Can Make Your Heart Race
If you’ve ever felt your heart beat faster after a hot shower, there is actually a scientific explanation for this. Hot water raises blood pressure, and medical experts warn that it can even overheat the body and put stress on the heart.
When your heart is racing, you are likely to spend the night tossing and turning, which can lead to even more health problems.
It May Cause You To Gain Extra Pounds
Having a delicious dinner and a hot shower right after can seem like a perfect way to end the day and finally go to bed. But in reality, taking a shower after eating can confuse your digestive system and lead to weight gain.
Digestion requires more blood flow to the stomach, and bathing causes blood to flow to other parts of the body. If you feel like you really need to wash all day at night, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal.
It’s Bad For Your Hair
Bathing before bed and sleeping while your hair is still wet is not doing your hair or your health any good. Sleeping with damp hair will allow the pillowcase to absorb moisture and create a warm and humid environment perfect for the growth of harmful bacteria.
This, in turn, can cause various scalp problems such as itching, irritation, and dandruff.
Do you shower before bed or in the morning? Have you noticed how this affects your sleep?
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