The False Promise of Cold Showers for Sleep

As summer’s heat becomes an all-too-familiar companion, people seek remedies to cool down and catch some sleep. Among the most touted solutions is taking a cold shower – but experts warn that this may be more myth than magic cure-all.

Professor Mike Tipton says a cold shower can actually make you hotter, rather than cooler. This happens because our bodies respond to the shock of cold water by producing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, designed to keep us alert. These hormones are not what we want when trying to fall asleep.

Tipton explains that very cold water causes the body to defend its temperature by drastically reducing blood circulation and shutting down heat loss from the skin. This can be beneficial in cases of severe heatstroke, but for the average person trying to cool down before bed, it’s a recipe for insomnia.

A tepid shower is often more effective than an icy plunge. By allowing blood flow to the skin, heat can be gently removed from the body, making it easier to fall asleep. The ideal temperature may vary between individuals, but as Tipton suggests, a mid-to-high 20C range should do the trick.

This advice has implications beyond personal comfort. It speaks to our broader relationship with heat and our bodies. As extreme weather events rise, it’s more important than ever that we understand how our bodies respond to temperature fluctuations – and what simple measures we can take to stay safe.

Experts like Tipton emphasize practical solutions over trendy fixes. By prioritizing these solutions, we may be able to build a more sustainable future where heatwaves are less deadly and nights are cooler. For now, as we toss and turn in the sweltering summer heat, it’s worth taking Tipton’s advice to heart: swap that icy shower for a warm one, and see if you don’t sleep better tonight.