A Hot Shower Before Bed? Think Again!
Basic hygiene dictates that a clean shower is a must before bedtime. However, renowned sleep expert Cheri Mah warns against this common practice. According to Mah, a hot shower right before bed can actually disrupt your sleep.
“A hot shower right before bed can disturb the natural body temperature,” Mah explains. “You need to cool down a little before going to bed.”
For optimal sleep, Mah recommends taking a lukewarm shower about an hour and a half before bedtime. This allows your body temperature to gradually decrease, which is essential for restful sleep. Studies have shown that this method can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Beyond physical preparation, Mah also emphasizes the importance of dietary habits for a good night’s rest. She advises avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime and opting for lighter, easily digestible snacks such as cottage cheese, fruits, and nuts.
Mah emphasizes the importance of avoiding fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime, as these can all disrupt your sleep. Additionally, those with gastric reflux should avoid tomatoes, which can exacerbate the condition.