Those Who Shower Before Bed Sleep Better And Live Longer

9 hours ago

Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like a steamy nighttime shower. Add a little scented soap, maybe a shower steamer if you’re feeling fancy—chef’s kiss. But lately, headlines have gotten a little... sudsy. They’re claiming that people who shower before bed not only sleep better but also live longer.

Sounds dreamy, right? But is it fact, fluff, or just a brilliant excuse to buy more bath goodies? (Not that we’re complaining.)

Let’s dive in.

The Claim: Shower Before Bed, Sleep Like a Baby, Live Forever

You’ve probably seen the headlines making the rounds. “New study says people who shower before bed live longer.” Or: “Science proves nighttime showers are the secret to eternal youth!” Bold claims. But here’s the deal—it’s not technically false, but it’s also not the full story.

Here’s what’s true: Research links warm nighttime showers to better sleep. A 2019 systematic review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews analyzed 17 studies and concluded that a warm shower or bath taken 1–2 hours before bedtime helps people fall asleep faster and improves overall sleep quality. The optimal water temperature? Between 104°F and 109°F (that’s hot, but not lobster-level hot).

“Water-based passive body heating (PBHWB) of 40–42.5 °C was associated with both improved self-rated sleep quality and sleep efficiency, and when scheduled 1–2 h before bedtime for as little as 10 min, significant shortening of sleep onset latency.”

Why does it work? When you step out of a warm shower, your core body temperature drops slightly—a cue to your brain that it’s time to wind down and snooze. Think of it like tricking your circadian rhythm into saying, “Yup, bedtime now.”

Mythbusting: Does It Actually Make You Live Longer?

So here’s where the bubbles start to burst. The idea that showering before bed = longer life is a bit of a stretch.

There’s no study directly linking evening showers to a longer lifespan. Instead, what’s happening is that better sleep has been associated with better health outcomes overall—lower risk of heart disease, reduced stress, improved immune function, and so on. And since nighttime showers can improve sleep, we’ve sort of squinted our eyes and connected those dots.

It’s a classic game of telephone: Shower → Better sleep → Better health → Longer life.
Realistic? Sure. Proven cause and effect? Not quite.

That said, if your nighttime shower is part of a consistent routine that helps you drift off, then yes—it’s a sneaky wellness win.

Why Better Sleep = Better Everything

Let’s not downplay it: good sleep is the ultimate flex. Studies show that consistent quality sleep helps with:

Cognitive function – You’ll think more clearly, react faster, and make fewer “oops I hit reply-all” mistakes.
Heart health – Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
Immune response – Sleep boosts your defenses like a full suit of armor.
Mood and mental health – There’s a reason cranky toddlers and cranky adults both need naps.

So yeah, does stepping into the shower help you wind down and catch those precious Zzzs? You're doing your future self a big favor.

Shower vs. Bath: Who Wins the Sleep-Off?

Both baths and showers can help with sleep, but baths have a slight edge. The reason? They keep you immersed longer, which raises your body temperature more significantly. That makes the cool-down effect post-bath even stronger—cue the deeper snooze.

But not everyone has time for a soak. And not all tubs are created equal. So if a shower is your nightly go-to, don’t stress. Just make it intentional:

Set the mood. Dim the lights. Play soft music. Light a candle.
Try a soothing lather. Our Tea Tree Mint CBD Soap is basically bedtime in a bar.
Keep it warm, not scalding. (You’re not boiling pasta.)

Quick Myth Check: Does Showering at Night Ruin Your Skin?

Some people swear that nighttime showers dry out your skin. And yeah, if you’re using harsh soaps or turning your bathroom into a steam room, you might notice some dryness.

But the fix is simple: moisturize immediately after. Your skin absorbs hydration best when it’s damp. So, towel off and slather on something good, like Tub Therapy’s After Series CBD Lotion. Packed with full-spectrum CBD and organic shea butter, it’s like tucking your skin into bed, too.

Let’s Wrap This Up in a (Warm) Towel

Is showering before bed the magical elixir for long life and perfect sleep? Maybe not magical, but it’s certainly smart. Here’s what we do know:

Warm showers before bed can improve sleep quality.
Better sleep supports nearly every aspect of your health.
Long-term good sleep habits = long-term health wins.
Plus, a shower is the ultimate mood reset after a chaotic day.

So if you’ve been skipping your evening rinse, maybe it’s time to rethink things. Your skin, your sleep, and your future 90-year-old self might thank you.

Want to Elevate Your Evening Shower Routine?

Start with the little luxuries that make a big difference. Our best-selling Soaperstar CBD soaps aren’t just good for your skin—they’re good for your whole mood. Infused with full-spectrum CBD and packed with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and sunflower oil, they turn an ordinary shower into a full-body sigh of relief.

Because at Tub Therapy, we believe self-care isn’t selfish. It’s just smart. (And honestly, science kinda backs us up.) Better sleep, better skin, better vibes—all it takes is a little upgrade to your nightly ritual. You deserve it.