The Best Time for a Bath

The optimal duration for a bath varies depending on individual circumstances and needs, but it is generally recommended to take a bath 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Under normal circumstances, taking a bath 1-2 hours before sleep is appropriate. Bathing during this period can dilate blood vessels, promote blood circulation, relax muscles, and aid in subsequent sleep. However, it should be noted that bathing immediately before sleep should be avoided, as increased body temperature and sympathetic nerve activation may make it difficult to fall asleep.

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to bathe immediately after eating. After a meal, the gastrointestinal tract begins to digest food, and bathing at this time causes blood vessels throughout the body to expand, redirecting blood flow to the skin surface, thereby reducing blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract and affecting digestion. It is recommended to wait 1-2 hours after eating before bathing. Bathing should also be avoided when feeling hungry before a meal, as bathing consumes energy and may lead to hypoglycemia, causing symptoms such as dizziness and weakness.

Each bath should last about 15-20 minutes. Prolonged bathing may dehydrate the skin and, due to excessive acceleration of blood circulation, increase the burden on the heart.

There are also differences according to the season. In summer, due to the hot weather, the bathing time can be appropriately shortened to 10-15 minutes, and the water temperature should not be too high, ideally close to body temperature, to avoid heatstroke. In winter, when the temperature is low, the bathing time can be extended to about 20 minutes, but attention should be paid to keeping warm and preventing colds after bathing.