As the UK continues to bake in a heatwave, experts are warning against a common bedtime practice that could actually make you feel warmer. Taking a shower immediately before bed may seem like a quick way to cool down, but it can have the opposite effect, leaving you more uncomfortable and disrupting sleep.
Why Showering Right Before Bed Can Backfire
Nail Thompson, Showroom Manager at luxury bathroom retailer Nôsa, advises moving your shower earlier in the evening. "If you struggle to sleep during warmer nights, consider moving your shower earlier in the evening rather than having one immediately before getting into bed," he said. "A shower around one to two hours before sleep gives your body time to settle and regulate its temperature afterwards, helping create the right conditions for winding down."
An ice-cold shower before bed is particularly ineffective. While freezing water feels invigorating initially, it causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict, trapping warmth inside the body rather than allowing it to dissipate. Instead, a cool or tepid shower helps lower body temperature without triggering this counterproductive response.
Best Shower Practices for Cooling Down
Thompson recommends finishing with cooler water focused on pulse points. "Instead of having the coldest shower possible during a heatwave, finish with cooler water focused on pulse points like your wrists, neck, ankles, and the backs of your knees," he explained. "These areas are more sensitive to temperature changes, so cooling them can leave you feeling refreshed without the shock of a freezing shower."
Timing is also key: showering one to two hours before bed allows your body's thermoregulation to stabilize, promoting better sleep. The UK's Met Office forecasts that nighttime temperatures will drop slightly but remain uncomfortably warm, making effective cooling strategies essential.
Other Bathroom Tips to Stay Cool
Beyond showering habits, Thompson suggests enhancing your bathroom environment. Adding fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or eucalyptus can amplify the refreshing effect. Steam releases their natural aromas, creating a spa-like ambience without costly products. "Eucalyptus is a classic choice, but mint is particularly suited to summer thanks to its fresh, invigorating scent," he said.
Humidity-loving plants such as ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants can also help. While they won't dramatically lower the room temperature, they absorb excess humidity, making the bathroom feel more comfortable and connected to the outdoors. These small adjustments can make a significant difference during the heatwave, helping Brits sleep better and stay refreshed.
