People Are Starting to Shower Differently—What Doctors Are Saying
New shower hack may lead to more restful nights. And doctors agree.
Taking a shower after a long day can be a delightful experience, but there's a simple change that can enhance it further. Dimming the lights during your shower may seem unusual, yet it can provide significant benefits for both physical and mental well-being, according to online users and experts.
TikTok user Alex, known as simplysanfordco, suggests that dimming the lights while showering can help soothe the nervous system by reducing stimulation at night. This practice can also stimulate melatonin production prior to bedtime, making it easier to drift off to sleep quickly.
Light exposure naturally reduces melatonin production in the brain, which can make it challenging to both fall asleep and maintain sleep. Taking a warm shower at night is already known to aid in preparing the body for sleep. Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and sleep expert, explains that the body's core temperature naturally decreases by about 1 degree after a warm shower, aiding in the transition to sleep.
Combining a warm shower with dim lights can simultaneously promote two essential sleep-inducing processes. Additionally, this practice can improve circadian rhythm, which is the body's 24-hour clock that dictates when to wake up and sleep. Circadian rhythm influences various aspects such as digestion, hormones, and body temperature.
As light decreases in the evening, melatonin production increases, signaling the body to prepare for sleep. By showering in dim or low lighting at night, you can minimize melatonin suppression, allowing your brain to better prepare for sleep. While the benefits of this habit are primarily superficial for some, many have found it transformative.
For instance, one commenter stated, "Changed my life." Another user compared it to showering under moonlight in nature, saying it's the only way they take showers or baths. This method has been adopted by long-time proponents for years, and they consider it an essential part of their routine.
For those seeking a simple way to unwind after a hectic day, the solution may be as straightforward as turning off the lights while showering.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
