How Bathing Improves Sleep Quality
How Bathing Improves Sleep Quality
Soaking in a ten-minute, warm bath 1-2 hours before going to bed can significantly shorten your sleep onset latency. Simply meaning, the length of time it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep.
Research has shown that sleep patterns and body temperature are governed by our internal clock. Usually, one’s temperature is at its highest late in the afternoon and lowest when asleep. However, by taking a warm (but not too hot) bath, you can support your body to make this temperature transition.
The warmth of the bathwater stimulates your body's natural cooling system by increasing blood flow to your hands and feet. This consequently leads to a drop in your overall body temperature, as heat moves away from your body’s core. This temperature drop signals your body to produce melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone - helping you fall asleep more quickly, and stay in a deep, restful sleep through the night.
TEMPERATURE
104 to 109°F / 40-43°C
TIME
90 minutes before bed
MOOD
Meditative
CREDITS
First image: Artwork by Rosie McGuinness
REFERENCES
https://www.visionlinens.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-bathing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/3495/#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20a%20warm%20bath,that's%20a%20circadian%20sleep%20signal.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/having-trouble-sleeping-try-a-hot-bath-before-bed