Never Take a Cold Shower When It’s Hot

Expert Reveals Why You Should Never Take a Cold Shower When It’s Hot

On sweltering summer evenings, a cold shower before bed can feel like the obvious solution. But according to Ashley Hainsworth, a bed-furnishings specialist, that icy rinse may actually work against you.

While cold water can feel refreshing in the moment, it can stimulate your body and mind—making it harder to fully relax and drift off to sleep. Instead of calming your system, cold showers can increase alertness right when your body should be powering down.
The Case for Lukewarm or Warm Showers

Rather than shocking your system with cold water, Hainsworth recommends opting for a warm or lukewarm shower or bath before bedtime.

Here’s why it works: warm water causes the blood vessels in your hands and feet to dilate. This allows heat to escape from your core more efficiently. When you step out of the shower and dry off, your body temperature naturally drops—a key signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

This gentle cooling aligns with your circadian rhythm and supports the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleepiness. That post-shower temperature dip helps your body relax and transition smoothly into rest—something a cold shock simply can’t do.