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Britt Jones
If you’re trying to think of ways to cool down before climbing into bed this summer, then you might be tempted to take a cold shower - but an expert has warned against it.
Not being able to sleep in the heat is something that can only be described as ‘hellish’ to those who are thrashing in their beds at night.
No matter how many fans are pointed at you, it’s the internal heat that seems to be causing the problems, so what can you do other than step underneath cold water and cool off?
It might seem like one of the best options for you to try, but an expert has offered alternative things to try as a lukewarm or cool shower could backfire on you.
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Bed furnishings expert Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom in the UK offered tips and tricks in place of a cool shower to help you drift off to la la land without a hitch.
Shockingly, she explained that a hot shower before bed is the first thing you should do.
Ashley shared that ’if you’re already feeling cool and refreshed when getting into bed, it’ll be easier to fall asleep’, and while a ‘cool or lukewarm shower may seem like the obvious choice, they can be stimulating and may keep you energised for longer, preventing a good sleep’.
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So, the cold water will actually work against you as it’ll boost your energy and keep you up at night.
The founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, California, also talked about cold showers being a source of energy after she was invited on Huffington Post's Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast.
"Should you be taking a hot shower? No. Ideally, you should be taking a cold one,” Dr Shokeen explained.
"I actually went down a huge rabbit hole on PubMed [National Library of Medicine in the US], which is basically a scientific database that goes through all these articles, [and I found studies that show] a cold shower not only invigorates you more, it helps with hair follicles, it helps with hair growth, it helps with skin rejuvenation, with blood vessel dilation - it’s awesome for you."
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Hot or warm showers on the other hand can help your body to cool down as you’ll release more heat through your hands and feet, lowing your core body temperature so you can snooze easier.
Ashley also shared that instead of a shower, a bath could be the perfect way to cool down and relax after a hot day.
It’ll also help to wash away the sweat and oil, making you feel relaxed and as clean as a whistle.
You can also sleep better if you have hay fever by taking a nice bath or shower as it’ll also wash away any pollen that has landed on you throughout the day.
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If you want to really take it to the next level? Try these other tips she shared as per the Liverpool Echo.
She explained that wearing chilled socks can cool down your overall body temperature as foot vessels divert heat from the body.
Ashley said: "If you feel hot throughout the day, putting your socks in the fridge a few hours before bed and wearing them while you sleep may help cool you down – especially if you’re someone who is already used to the sensation of wearing socks in bed."
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She also suggests wearing loose clothing at night that are made from natural fabrics, or tight or synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester, can make you sweat because they don’t allow you to breathe.
If you’ve got a moo moo, it’s time to throw it on tonight!
You could also put your pillowcase in the freezer in a sealed bag for half an hour before you go to bed so that it’s chilled and nice to sleep on.
Or drink lots of water in the day so that your body temperature is regulated and you won’t become dehydrated when you sweat out fluids.
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Just don’t take a cold shower.