As a heatwave continues across the UK, many people are struggling to stay cool at night, leading to restless sleep and exhaustion the next day. While quick fixes like cold showers seem appealing, experts warn that one common bedtime habit could actually make you feel hotter.
Why Showering Right Before Bed Is a Mistake
Nail Thompson, Showroom Manager at luxury bathroom retailer Nôsa, advises moving your shower earlier in the evening. A shower one to two hours before sleep gives your body time to regulate its temperature, creating the right conditions for winding down.
Taking a freezing cold shower before bed may not be the best way to cool down. While icy water feels refreshing initially, it can cause blood vessels near the skin to tighten, trapping heat inside the body instead of helping it escape. Instead, a cool or lukewarm shower is recommended to lower body temperature without triggering a reaction to sudden cold.
How to Shower Effectively
Thompson suggests finishing with cooler water focused on pulse points like wrists, neck, ankles, and the backs of the knees. These areas are more sensitive to temperature changes, so cooling them leaves you refreshed without the shock of a freezing shower.
Other Bathroom Cooling Tips
Adding fresh herbs such as mint, rosemary, or eucalyptus to the bathroom can make showering feel more refreshing. Steam releases their natural scents, creating a spa-like atmosphere without expensive products. Thompson notes eucalyptus is a classic choice, but mint is particularly suited to summer thanks to its fresh, invigorating scent.
Humidity-loving plants like ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants can thrive in bathrooms. While they won't dramatically lower room temperature, they help absorb high humidity and make the bathroom feel more connected to the outdoors.
