A warm shower in the evening is one of the best ways to wash the day off—literally.

We know there are already so many sleep hacks out there, but we promise this one is worth the effort. Aptly called “dark showering,” this wellness trend involves flipping your bathroom lights off before you begin your nighttime routine as a means to help your nervous system unwind.

Here’s how and why this expert-approved shower method works.

What is dark showering?

@tianatictoria

someone on tiktok said that you should shower in the dark & it’s so therapeutic

♬ Didn't Cha Know - Erykah Badu

Dark showering is a trend with roots in the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda that encourages the body to relax at night. As the name implies, it involves removing most or all forms of light, as well as anything else distractions such as phones and loud noises. 

What are the benefits of dark showering?

Showering in a dark room—either with dim or entirely sans lighting—is akin to a sensory cocoon. Unlike a morning shower, which is generally intended to wake you up, a dark shower works in tandem with your natural circadian rhythm to transition your body from day to night. 

The soft light is a soothing signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. This, in turn, can help you fall asleep faster and reduce stress. The secluded space can also reset your mood, especially after a bad day.

Whether you’re a morning or evening shower person, this is your sign to give a nighttime dark shower a try.
 

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