Showering is a part of the daily routine for many, with some preferring to do it at night to aid sleep, while others prefer morning showers for added energy. However, some experts suggest that choosing to shower in the morning may pose health risks that could prompt a reevaluation of this habit. Experts explain that a preference for morning showers over evening ones may lead to "sleeping with harmful bacteria," according to MattressNextDay. This means that opting for a night shower before bed is better because it ensures you have clean sheets with a clean body; delaying this until morning means accumulating sweat overnight, providing a fertile ground for bacteria growth.
Studies have highlighted that E. coli bacteria, known for causing conditions ranging from diarrhea and food poisoning to serious illnesses like pneumonia, can live in mattresses and on surfaces for months. The older your mattress, the greater the risk.
We should not only consider when to shower but also where we've been. Experts indicate that office workers should be particularly vigilant, as a significant amount of bacteria and airborne pollutants cling to our skin during work hours. Showering at night would wash this away. Thus, if you adhere to morning showers, you are likely carrying all those germs to bed every night.
Additionally, showering at night is not just about hygiene; it has also been shown to improve sleep quality. Transitioning from a warm shower to a cool room can lower your body temperature. Since your body temperature naturally decreases when you fall asleep, this temperature change allows your body to receive signals that it is ready to sleep much more quickly.
To further enhance sleep, consider using lavender-scented shower gel to prepare for bedtime, as lavender contains calming chemical compounds that can reduce insomnia and agitation, aiding in sleep.
