It is up to you to decide when you want to shower. It can be cleanliness, routine, or a morning vs. evening thing. While all choices have advantages, research suggests that a nocturnal shower has some distinct benefits, particularly in terms of supporting better sleep and improving general skin health.
1. Cleaning Up After A Long Day. The most obvious benefit is just washing off the dirt and filth you accumulated over the day. Your body will undoubtedly absorb ambient contaminants, perspiration, and bacteria, all of which will have an effect on your skin. These things must be rinsed off before settling in for several hours and allowing them to fester on you, not to mention becoming mixed up with your linens ready for the next night. A night shower helps to remove these pollutants, leaving you clean before bed. Dr. Alok Vij, a dermatologist, warns that not wiping off these pollutants might cause skin irritation or worsen acne.
2. A Relaxing Bedtime Ritual. Showering at night also signals the body to slow down and prepare for sleep. Dr. David Rosen, a sleep expert, explains that the body naturally cools down in the evening to prepare for sleep. A warm shower can help reduce your core body temperature, promote relaxation, and make it easier to fall asleep. The increase in skin temperature caused by a shower, whether hot or warm, signals to your body that slumber is on its way, which should help you sleep better.
3. Hot Showers and Sleep Quality. Speaking of sleep quality, taking a warm shower or bath an hour or two before bedtime will help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. This is due to the “warm bath effect,” in which warm water increases blood flow to the hands and feet, allowing excess heat to exit and helping to regulate your body’s internal temperature. According to studies, taking a warm nighttime shower helps people fall asleep sooner and sleep better overall.
4. Clean Skin Promotes Better Sleep. A good night’s sleep begins with clean skin. When you wash before bed, you may rid your face and body of any leftover skincare products, sweat, and oils from the day. This is especially critical if you were wearing sunscreen, makeup, or other skin-care products that clogged your pores. A nightly shower removes these remnants, giving your skin a literal clean slate before bed. Dr. Vij recommends applying moisturizers and skin care products after a midnight shower, when your skin is more responsive to moisture. This is especially crucial for persons with dry or sensitive skin, as nocturnal moisturization helps to retain moisture and avoid dryness. Waking up with fresh, healthy skin improves both your sleep and your health.
5. Helps reduce muscle tension. A shower in the evening can help athletes and anyone who suffers from muscle stiffness relax their tight muscles. Warm water stimulates blood flow, which can help relieve stress or discomfort caused by physical activity or a lack of it due to sitting in one position all day. This is especially useful if you’ve had a physically difficult day and need to relax before bedtime. Cold showers, on the other hand, might cause muscle tension and awareness, making it harder to fall asleep.