Showering before bed is a good way to fall asleep fast:
Studies suggest that taking a shower or bath before bed can help you fall asleep more quickly. And it's not just because it relaxes you, though that plays a part. It has to do with the body's circadian rhythm and thermoregulation process.
[...] Your body relies on thermoregulation to regulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your sleep-wake cycle. Your internal body temperature signals to the brain that it's time to fall asleep. Now, we're not talking about drastic changes in body temperature -- it's only one to two degrees.
Showering helps the process along. While in the warm water, your body temperature rises and your blood flow is stimulated, but the increased blood circulation helps heat escape your body quicker. This allows your temperature to drop after you get out.
Once your body temperature is lowered, it signals to your brain that it's time to hit the sheets. Studies say to keep your water temperature between 104 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit for the best quality sleep. We know that most people can't perfectly regulate their shower temperature. A good rule of thumb is warm water -- not too hot or too cold.
The other part that you should consider is timing. Experts say that 90 minutes before bed is the ideal time to get the most benefits, according to a systematic data analysis of existing research. Your shower should last at least 10 minutes to get the most benefits.
Ten to fifteen minute baths have the same effect.
Journal Reference:
Yoshiaki Tai, Keigo Saeki, Yuki Yamagami, et al. Association between timing of hot water bathing before bedtime and night-/sleep-time blood pressure and dipping in the elderly: a longitudinal analysis for repeated measurements in home settings, Chronobiology International, 2022. (DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2019.1675685)
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Tuesday July 12 2022, @12:32AM (3 children)
It's even better if you shower with your 'significant other': the sex tires you out as well!
Giggity!
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday July 12 2022, @02:02AM
It is both wet, warm and short. Go for it!
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Tuesday July 12 2022, @02:58PM (1 child)
I find it highly suspect that you might think your significant other might want to participate in a "golden shower". Now, if you're talking about it raining actual gold on them, there may be different levels of acceptable.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Tuesday July 12 2022, @05:23PM
Yeah, sorry: got the two memes in one.
No, i'm not Trump: not into golden showers... not my bag, man.
Pooping? Wassup wit dat shit as well?!
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday July 12 2022, @03:04AM
I'm fine with running my AC more at night.
Now let me see if I can still insert NULL into this column.
(Score: 4, Funny) by EJ on Tuesday July 12 2022, @08:01AM
I'm not sure how much of an impact my yearly shower will have on my sleep.
(Score: 3, Touché) by stormreaver on Tuesday July 12 2022, @03:43PM
When I'm feeling tired and worn out, a shower is one of my go-to activities to wake myself up. It acts as a body-wide stimulant, and helps keep me awake for a few hours, so I find studies like this to be highly suspect.
(Score: 2) by xorsyst on Wednesday July 13 2022, @02:26PM
Most showers in the UK are specifically set to not exceed 38° for safety. I rarely shower higher than 34°. Do people really exceed 40° for their showers? Seems very energy wasteful.