If counting sheep isn’t cutting it for you, there’s a viral bedtime hack that might be your ticket to slumbertown. The trend is called dark showering, and it’s picking up steam as people look for easier ways to fall asleep. The idea is simple: bathe in low light before bed to help your body shift into nighttime mode.
Experts say the magic of dark showering is twofold: less light and more relaxation. You’ve likely heard that warm showers help calm the body, which makes them a great part of a bedtime ritual. Light also plays a powerful role in circadian rhythm, telling us when to feel alert and when to wind down. So dark showering simply combines these ideas, sending a signal that sleepy time is coming.
If you're dark-showering-curious, here’s how it works:
- Dim the lights. Install a dimmer or swap in bulbs that give off warmer tones with less blue light.
- Block outside brightness. Close blinds if the sun is still up or streetlights spill in.
- Keep some visibility. Use a night light or another cordless option instead of going pitch black (for obvious safety reasons).
- Turn up the heat. Research suggests water around 104 to 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit may help because cooling down afterward can make you sleepy.
Think of it as setting the mood for sleep instead of waiting for it to happen. A dark shower tonight might mean fewer yawns tomorrow.
Source: Today