port of harlem magazine
 
Theo Hodge, Jr. M.D.
 
Morning or Night: How Your Shower Routine Affects Your Sleep

 
Ju1 11 – Ju1 24, 2024
 
Health

black man in shower



You may choose to shower in the morning as an energizing way to start your day. Or you may opt to shower at night as a way to rinse off the day. While it truly comes down to personal preference, some studies suggest that the time of day you shower could impact your sleep.

A Sleep Foundation poll revealed that 41.8% of U.S. adults shower in the morning and 38.4% shower at night. Of those who reported showering in the morning, 80.9% say they feel more awake afterward. Of those who reported showering at night, 53.3% say it helps them fall asleep.

However, studies have found that taking a warm shower a few hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster.

“Showering or bathing in warm water stimulates an increase in blood flow to lower your body temperature, promoting sleep,” says Dr. Yelena Tumashova, a sleep medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “This naturally occurs with or without the warm shower, but it helps speed up the circadian cycle. Warm showers can also help relax your muscles and joints which can sometimes be the reason for sleep troubles.”

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