Taking a Hot Bath or Shower Before Bed
Taking a hot bath or shower at night can be a very good way to relax after a busy or stressful day. When you soak in warm water or stand under a hot shower, it helps your muscles to relax and your mind to calm down. Many studies have found that having a hot bath or shower before going to sleep can actually help you fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your sleep. This means you might sleep more deeply and feel more rested in the morning. So, adding a warm bath or shower to your nightly routine can be a simple and nice way to get better sleep.
Is It Bad to Sleep with Wet Hair?
Some people believe that going to bed with wet hair is not a good idea. They think it might make you catch a cold or cause your hair to get tangled and broken. This is why some people always make sure their hair is dry before sleeping. However, there isn’t much strong scientific proof that sleeping with wet hair causes these problems for everyone. Depending on your own hair and skin type, you might want to think about the possible risks of sleeping with wet hair and also learn how to take care of your hair while you sleep.
Drawbacks of Sleeping With Wet Hair
When your hair is wet and you go to sleep, the water in your hair starts to dry during the night. Some of that water evaporates into the air, but some of it gets absorbed by your pillow or bed sheets. This means your pillow might stay a bit damp. Sleeping on a wet or warm surface near your face and scalp could cause some problems for your skin or hair. People who often sleep with wet hair should watch if their skin or hair starts to change or get worse, like getting itchy, irritated, or more tangled hair. If you notice these problems, it might be better to change your bedtime habits.
Hair Damage From Sleeping With Wet Hair
Sleeping with wet hair does not always hurt your hair, but it can make it more likely for your hair to get tangled or even break. Hair is made of many tiny parts called proteins that make it strong and stretchy. When your hair is wet, it can stretch more without breaking, especially if it has not been treated with chemicals like dye or bleach. Wet hair can stretch about 30% more than dry hair without serious damage.
But if your hair is chemically treated, it becomes weaker and breaks more easily. This is because chemicals can remove the natural oils that protect your hair. When this protective layer is gone, your hair absorbs more water, which makes it swell and weaker. Then, when you move your head on a pillow at night, the hair rubs against the pillow and might break more easily. So, if your hair is colored or treated, sleeping with it wet might cause more damage than if your hair is natural.
Does Sleeping With Wet Hair Cause Acne?
There is no clear proof that sleeping with wet hair causes acne or pimples. But some people believe that a wet pillow can create a warm, moist place where bacteria can grow, and this might make skin problems like acne worse. Acne happens when pores on your skin get blocked by oils and dead skin cells. Usually, acne is caused by things like family genes or hormones, not by wet hair.
Still, a pillow that is damp or has leftover hair products on it could make your skin oily or irritated, which might clog pores and cause pimples. For this reason, some experts say it’s better to sleep with clean, dry hair that is pulled away from your face. Changing your pillowcases and sheets every one or two weeks can also help keep your skin clear and make your sleep more comfortable.
Can Sleeping With Wet Hair Cause Scalp Infections?
Our bodies and environment have many kinds of fungi, which are tiny living things like molds. Most fungi are harmless, but some can cause infections if they grow too much. Pillows and hair follicles can sometimes have fungi on them.
One example is a fungus called tinea capitis, which likes moist places and can cause a scalp disease. This disease makes the scalp itchy, flaky, and causes hair to break and fall out in patches. Another fungus called Malassezia can cause dandruff and oily skin patches on the scalp and face. Some fungi, like Aspergillus fumigatus, can live in pillows and might cause lung infections in people with weak immune systems.
People with weak immune systems or health concerns should talk to a doctor about the risks of sleeping with wet hair and keeping bedding clean.
Does Sleeping With Wet Hair Make You Sick?
Many people think sleeping with wet hair might cause colds or other illnesses. But there is no strong scientific proof that wet hair directly causes sickness. Colds are caused by viruses that spread through coughs, sneezes, or touching things that have viruses on them, not by cold air or wet hair.
Most adults catch colds about two or three times a year. These viruses are more common in winter but getting sick depends on exposure to germs, not on whether your hair is wet at night.
Tips for Sleeping With Wet Hair
Some people sleep with wet hair because it is part of their bedtime routine or to protect certain hairstyles. If you want to sleep with wet hair, there are ways to do it better and protect your hair:
Use a silk pillowcase: Silk causes less friction than cotton. This means your hair will not rub and break as much while you sleep. Some research also suggests silk pillowcases may help your skin.
Apply hair oil: Oils like coconut or argan oil can protect your hair. Coconut oil helps stop protein loss in hair, keeping it stronger. Argan oil keeps hair moist and soft.
Wear a hair cap or scarf: Covering your hair with a soft cap can reduce rubbing against your pillow and help protect your hair.
Use conditioner: Conditioners help untangle hair and reduce friction. Using a leave-in conditioner can also keep your hair moisturized and protect it while you sleep.
Dry your hair earlier: Try starting your bedtime routine earlier to let your hair dry naturally before bed. If you use a hair dryer, be careful because too much heat can damage your hair.