Why It’s Better Not to Shower Right Before Bed

It feels so good to go to bed squeaky clean right after having a long, hot shower. But from a medical point of view, bathing before sleep isn’t the best way to get a good night’s shut-eye. In fact, this seemingly healthy habit may be doing more harm than good.

We at Bright Side decided to dive into the evidence that indicates showering before bed might be not as relaxing as we once thought.

1. You might not be able to fall asleep easily.

Taking a hot bath or shower right before your head hits the pillow might seem relaxing, but in reality, it may disrupt your sleep. You rest better when your body temperature is slightly lower, and as your body starts to prepare itself for a good night’s sleep, your temperature drops a bit. Taking a hot shower will raise your core temperature and confuse your body. If you feel like you can’t go to bed without bathing, opt for a lukewarm shower an hour or 2 before hitting the hay.

2. It can make your heart race.

If you’ve ever felt like your heart beats faster after a hot shower, there’s actually a scientific explanation for this. Hot water raises your blood pressure, and medical experts warn that it can even superheat your body and cause stress to your heart. When your heart is racing, you are likely to spend the night tossing and turning, which eventually may lead to even more health problems.

3. It may cause you to gain extra pounds.

Having a delicious dinner and taking a hot shower right after might seem like a perfect way to wrap up the day and finally go to bed. But in reality, hopping into the shower after eating might confuse your digestive system and lead to weight gain. Digestion requires increased blood flow toward the stomach, and showering causes blood to flow to other parts of the body. If you feel like you absolutely need to wash off the day in the evening, it’s better to wait at least 30 minutes after having a meal.

4. It’s bad for your hair.

Showering right before bed and going to sleep when your hair is still wet isn’t doing your locks or your health any favors. Sleeping with damp hair will cause your pillowcase to absorb moisture and create a perfect warm and humid environment for harmful bacteria to grow. This, in turn, may lead to various scalp problems, such as itchiness, irritation, and dandruff.

Do you shower before bed or in the morning? Have you noticed how it affects your sleep?