Showers are always refreshing. Some do it for hygiene, and others to destress and relax after a long day.
Despite some disadvantages associated with showering daily, a doctor reveals the best time to have a cold shower to reap the most benefits.
Best time to have a cold shower
Dr. Karan Raj says cold water showers are best when had at specific times of the day to stay energized, while warm showers are helpful when you need rest.
He suggests showering with cold water at the beginning of the day as it keeps you alert. Exposure to lower temperatures in the morning raises your body temperature throughout the day. The coldness of the water increases your heart rate, circulation, and oxygen intake, thus making you feel more energized and improving your mood.
Conversely, having a warm shower at bedtime is advisable because the body lowers its temperature after coming in contact with warm or hot water. The doctor explains lower body temperature helps you sleep better at night, by fitting with the “circadian cues.”
Other than a warm shower, there are a few more habits you can practice daily to get a good night’s sleep, including limiting your liquid intake during the evenings or night, so you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to empty your bladder.
A naturopathic doctor revealstwo more tips to get better sleep, as adequate rest is crucial for overall well-being.
Why you shouldn’t shower daily
According to environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy, showering daily does more harm than good to your overall health.
Daily showers at high temperatures cause your skin to become dry and itchy, in addition to worsening any underlying skin issues such as eczema.
Aside from possible skin infections from bacteria that grow in the cracked and dry skin, showering or bathing daily can compromise your immunity by negating the body’s ability to protect you.
While there’s no ideal frequency, VeryWellHealth notes showering every other day or every third day is “enough.”
Dr. Karan Rajan is a certified NHS surgeon from London with over seven years of experience. After graduating from Imperial College London, he’s currently serving as a lecturer at Sunderland University. He identifies himself as a ‘speaker’ and ‘educator’ with millions of followers across social media, which he has gained by combining his expertise with entertainment.
