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When summer evenings become unbearably hot and falling asleep feels impossible, many people instinctively consider taking a cold shower to cool off.
While this might sound like a practical solution, sleep experts warn that it could actually do the opposite and keep you wide awake.
Trying to get comfortable in stifling heat can be a real challenge. Even with a fan circulating air, if your body’s core temperature remains elevated, drifting off to sleep becomes difficult. It’s understandable to reach for a quick fix like a cold shower, but according to experts, this may not be the most sleep-friendly strategy.
Why Cold Showers May Interfere With Sleep
Ashley Hainsworth, a bed furnishings specialist at Bed Kingdom in the UK, cautions against cold or even mildly cool showers right before bedtime.
According to her, these can be more stimulating than relaxing, potentially leaving you feeling too energized to sleep.
This is because cold water can trigger the body’s alertness response, increasing circulation and releasing adrenaline—things that prepare you for activity, not rest.
Cold Showers Have Benefits—Just Not Before Bed
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