Taking ahot bath orshower before going tobed may improve your sleep, according tonew research. And itseems that the Japanese have known about this for many years before the whole rest ofthe world! They also found many other reasons for bathing atnight.
Bright Side learned more about them, and wecan’t wait toshare our findings with you!
The Japanese have along bathing ceremony.
When taking abath, the Japanese follow aspecial ritual consisting ofseveral steps. First, they get into the shower towash off all the dust and sweat and only after that dothey have along luxurious soak inthe bath. They may even add green tea and other different herbs into the water which relax the body, cleanse the skin, and tone the mind. The Japanese also carefully select the temperature ofthe water, it’s important tomake itcomfortable— not exceeding 40°C— aswater that istoo hot may lead tomoisture loss and opened pores.
They follow old family habits.
The luxury ofthe morning shower inJapan, aswell asthroughout the world, didn’t become available until ashort time ago. Inthe 19th century there was nohot water, heating, orindoor plumbing inJapanese homes. Somost people had toboil hot water first inorder totake ahot bath. This isavery time consuming process! Sothe general habit ofbathing inthe evening persisted.
They often visit public baths orhot springs.
Public baths hot springs are popular inJapan. People ofdifferent ages come there tonot only bathe, but also torelax and spend time doing something pleasurable. It’s possible tosay that it’s akind ofentertainment. Atnight there are usually fewer people, which makes itpossible tobealone with your thoughts. Complete relaxation!
They don’t have enough time inthe mornings.
The Japanese are real workaholics. About4.5 million full-time workers inJapan have second jobs, where they work, onaverage, between 6and 14additional hours each week. Inaddition, inJapan itisvery important tobepunctual. Ifyou come even afew minutes late, itcan beperceived negatively. Therefore, inthe morning, the Japanese don’t even have asingle free minute.
They are affected bythe climate.
Summer inJapan ishot and very humid. Most citizens don’t use their cars, but use public transport instead, and feel the effect ofweather onthemselves tothe fullest. They wouldn’t feel good without along shower atthe end ofthe day.
Inwinter, Japanese houses are very cold, because most ofthem don’t have central air and heat. They gotothe bathroom before bed, tonot only bathe, but also towarm themselves.
When doyou take abath? Why?
As a sleep and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the impact of bathing on sleep quality, I'd like to shed light on the fascinating practices of the Japanese when it comes to their bathing rituals and how it correlates with improved sleep.
The notion of taking a hot bath or shower before bedtime to enhance sleep is supported by recent research, and it appears that the Japanese have intuitively known about this for many years. The Japanese incorporate a long and intricate bathing ceremony into their daily routine, consisting of several key steps.
Firstly, they begin by washing off all the accumulated dust and sweat in the shower before indulging in a long, luxurious soak in the bath. During this bath, they often add elements such as green tea and various herbs to the water, aiming to relax the body, cleanse the skin, and soothe the mind. The careful selection of water temperature is crucial, with the Japanese preferring to keep it comfortable, not exceeding 40°C. Excessively hot water may lead to moisture loss and opened pores, which they strive to avoid.
The morning shower luxury that many of us take for granted in modern times was not readily available in Japan until the 19th century. Lack of hot water, heating, and indoor plumbing meant that people had to invest considerable time and effort in boiling water before being able to enjoy a hot bath. Consequently, the habit of bathing in the evening persisted.
Public baths and hot springs are prevalent in Japan, serving not only as places for cleansing but also as venues for relaxation and enjoyable activities. This practice could be seen as a form of entertainment, especially during the night when there are fewer people, allowing for a more solitary and contemplative experience.
The demanding work culture in Japan, where about 4.5 million full-time workers have second jobs, contributes to the evening preference for bathing. Mornings are typically occupied with work-related commitments and the cultural importance of punctuality, leaving the evening as a more feasible time for relaxation.
The Japanese also adapt their bathing habits based on the climate. In the hot and humid summer, a refreshing shower or bath becomes essential to wash away the effects of the weather. In contrast, during the cold winter when many Japanese houses lack central air and heating, a warm bath before bedtime is not only for cleansing but also for warming oneself.
In summary, the Japanese approach to bathing is deeply rooted in their culture, daily routines, and climatic considerations. This holistic view of bathing as a ritual for both physical and mental well-being aligns with recent research suggesting that taking a hot bath or shower before going to bed may indeed improve sleep quality.
