How Bathing Improves Sleep Quality

SOAK is an explorative series into the art and science of bathing. Discovering how the act of soaking in water, can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

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.

BAINA pescribes; Run a warm bath or shower — immerse oneself — release any tension in the body with 4-7-8 breath work

TEMPERATURE

104 to 109°F / 40-43°C

TIME

90 minutes before bed

SOUND

No22. Meditative Oceanic Sounds playlist by BAINA.

Listen Here

MOOD

Meditative

SOAK — A simple way to improve your sleep quality.

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

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