Is taking a bath late at night bad for your health?

Taking a shower very late at night can be harmful to health, potentially causing sleep disturbances, increased risk of colds, joint pain, and other issues that may negatively affect normal daily activities.

1. Sleep disturbances

Showering too late can overstimulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and poor sleep quality. Insufficient or disrupted sleep prevents the body from proper rest, resulting in fatigue upon waking. It is advisable not to shower too close to bedtime to avoid affecting mental well-being.

2. Increased risk of colds

If you shower late at night and fail to keep warm afterward, your body may become chilled, increasing susceptibility to colds. Symptoms such as runny nose, fever, and dizziness may occur. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications like Ganmaoling granules or acetaminophen and amantadine capsules.

3. Joint pain

Showering late can also trigger joint pain. After bathing, cold air may more easily penetrate the joints, leading to swelling and discomfort, which can impair limb movement and harm overall health. Applying heat packs or massage may help relieve joint pain; if necessary, acupuncture or physical therapy under medical supervision can also be considered.

In addition, showering too late may contribute to conditions such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Poor habits like consistently going to bed late can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. It is recommended to avoid showering too late at night and to ensure adequate warmth after bathing.