An unusual trend in showering is being suggested by wellness professionals as a way to improve sleep.
For as long as humans have existed, sleep issues have been a common concern. From scrolling through social media late into the night to ancient fears of nighttime dangers, worries about getting enough rest have persisted.
However, a new routine might aid in relaxation before bed, and it’s not in the room you’d typically think of. This method involves the bathroom, and although it may seem counterintuitive, some experts believe it could help with falling asleep.
This technique is known as ‘dark showering’.
It isn’t connected to any fictional villain or a concept from dark fantasy genres. Essentially, it involves showering with the lights off.
The practice is thought to provide a form of sensory deprivation.
It removes distractions such as bright lights or electronic devices—though using a phone in the shower isn’t common practice.
Come to think of it, it’s best not to answer that question.
The absence of light contributes to the experience. The harsh brightness of typical bathroom lighting isn’t exactly soothing, which is why people often choose candles for a more relaxing bath.
On platforms like Reddit, individuals have described dark showering as ‘amazing’ and highly ‘therapeutic’. It’s also gaining popularity on TikTok.
Wellness expert Shalin Balasuriya, who co-founded Spa Ceylon, explained to Glamour: “This practice taps into something profound: it’s rooted not only in modern science but also resonates with Ayurveda, which has spoken about mindful bathing (snāna) and ritualised self-care for over 5,000 years.
“Far from a passing fad, dark showering embodies a time-honoured approach to using water, aromas, and touch to balance body, mind, and spirit.”
Clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Ray also supports the idea, describing dark showering as ‘a simple, sensory ritual designed to help you reset, reconnect, and return to yourself when the world won’t slow down,’ and a form of ‘nervous system care that meets you where you are’.
Additionally, Dr Allie Hare, a sleep medicine consultant, noted: “Taking a shower under dim light conditions may also help to signal to the body that it is time for sleep because dim light is a signal for the release of one of the key hormones of sleep, melatonin.”
The concept seems sound—the sound of water in a dark room can be quite calming.
Just remember to have a small light source available, as slipping in the dark during a shower might not be the most relaxing experience.