Surprising benefit of showering in the dark
Dark showering is taking over the internet, and bedtime ritual could be the answer to an insomniac's prayers.
If you've been on TikTok or Reddit over the past few weeks, you might have come across a trend called "dark showering".
As the name suggests, it calls for showering or bathing with the light off or dimmed. Many people also use candles. The technique is said to help improve sleep.
While not entirely new, many people swear by the benefits of showering in the dark.
What is dark showering?
Dark showering is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is meant to relax your body and calm your mind before bedtime. The wellness ritual is usually done 1-2 hours before you go to sleep.
Dark showering benefits
According to The Conversation, there isn't much research on the technique itself, but sleep science has supported the benefits of sleeping in the dark.
"Bright light in the evening signals to the brain’s internal body clock that it is still daytime. This delays the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep and is often described as the body’s 'darkness signal'."
Soaking in a hot bath, also known as the "warm bath effect", helps relax your muscles, improves sleep and your mood. The sound of water falling from the shower also has a calming effect.
Light, sound and heat are all part of therapeutic rituals worldwide.
Here are some of the benefits associated with dark showering:
- Improves sleep quality
- Decreases stress
- Helps calm your nervous system
- Reduces sensory overload
READ: Why women need more sleep than men
Dark showering Reddit
Social media users, including Redditors, have been sharing their experiences with dark showring for years. This is what some of them have to say.
"The only light was a small amount of moonlight coming through the window, that was just enough to allow me to see the silhouette of my hand. The sensory deprivation was unreal; I couldn't see the water, but I could feel it hitting my skin. Being that it was night, there was no noise except for the running water. It was one of the most peaceful moments I've ever had. If you've never done it before, I strongly suggest it. I will definitely be doing it again." - @unholydemigod
"I actually do this about once a week. I have a very hard time sleeping on occasion, and I use this method of showering to help relax me when I'm having one of those insomnia fits. When I shower that way and then climb into bed, I'm usually asleep within minutes, and I sleep soundly and wake up refreshed. I've actually turned my roommate onto this as well." - @ghostmelon
"We already know that a shower is a place for reflection, a time to relax and think about life and everyday things. But doing it without any outside interference, with everything switched off, is totally different. After I started showering at night without any lights, I saw it was a thousand times more relaxing and beneficial than showering in the light." - @opiniaoimpopular
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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