As the heatwave continues, Brits are searching for ways to stay cool, especially at night when temperatures are expected to cool but remain uncomfortable. Sticky and stuffy bedrooms make it difficult to fall asleep and leave people feeling exhausted the following day.
While many turn to quick fixes in hopes of relief, not every cooling trick works as intended. Experts are now warning that a common bedtime habit could end up making you feel even hotter. If you’re thinking of taking a shower before bed to cool off, here’s why it could have the opposite effect.
Why you should avoid showering just before bed
Nail Thompson, Showroom Manager at the luxury bathroom retailer Nôsa, advised: “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.
“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.”
Taking a freezing cold shower before bed may not be the best way to cool down during a heatwave. While icy water can feel refreshing at first, it can cause the blood vessels near your skin to tighten.
This may trap heat inside your body instead of helping it escape. Instead, it is recommended to take a cool or lukewarm shower, which can help lower your body temperature without triggering a reaction to the sudden cold.
Nail agrees with not having an ice-cold shower and stated: “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.
“These areas are more sensitive to temperature changes, so cooling them can leave you feeling refreshed without the shock of a freezing shower.”
Other ways to keep cool in your bathroom
Nail went on to advise that adding fresh herbs such as mint, rosemary or eucalyptus to your bathroom to make showering feel even more refreshing.
This is due to the steam helping release their natural scents, creating a spa-like atmosphere without the need for expensive products. He said: “Eucalyptus is a classic choice, but mint is particularly suited to summer thanks to its fresh, invigorating scent.”
Nail added: “Humidity-loving plants such as ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants can thrive in bathroom environments.
“While plants won’t dramatically lower the temperature of a room, they help absorb high humidity and make the bathroom feel more connected to the outdoors.”