Key Takeaways -
- Steam showers have proven to be an effective remedy for improving sleep quality, as their calming aura and tranquil environment can help induce peaceful slumber.
- The comforting steam helps to unburden stress and uneasiness, as well as the moisture in the air assists with clearing nasal blockages and provides respite from stuffy noses.
- After a taxing day, steam showers are the perfect way to unwind. The calming warmth of the steam is sure to loosen any knots in your body and promote deep sleep for improved restfulness.
As someone who values a good night's rest, you may wonder if there are any additional methods that can aid in achieving a deeper, more restful slumber.
You have likely heard of steam showers as a luxurious way to unwind and relax, but did you know they may also benefit your sleep?
A steam shower has numerous benefits, from lengthening sleep duration to improving the quality of rest and diminishing stress levels. Heat is known to have a natural calming effect, which may explain why many people find it helpful in achieving the best possible sleep.
In this blog, we will explore the science behind steam showers, how they impact sleep, and how you can incorporate them into your routine to improve overall sleep quality.
By the end, you will have a better understanding of whether steam showers are right for you and how to use them effectively to achieve a more peaceful night's sleep. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of steam showers and sleep.
What Is A Steam Shower?
Immerse yourself in the luxury of a steam room right from your OWN BATHROOM with a steam shower. A generator heats and humidifies air, sending it into an enclosed area to offer soothing comfort during bathing.
Enjoy all the benefits that come with steaming WITHOUT ever having to leave your home!
The steam is produced by HEATING water to boiling point, which then creates steam channelled into the shower area through a steam head. Steam showers are typically made of acrylic, fibreglass, or tile and can come in various shapes and sizes.
They often feature a built-in seat, a digital control panel, and various water jets to provide a complete SPA-LIKE experience. Steam showers are known for their therapeutic benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, and relief from muscle soreness.
Pro Tip: For the most pleasant steam shower experience, keep the temperature and humidity level at a comfortable point.
The Impact Of Steam Showers On Sleep
Stepping into a steam shower has abundant benefits, and one of them is ensuring GREATER QUALITY sleep. The warm moisture helps to relax muscles in addition to relieving tension while aiding sinus congestion, allowing you to breathe easier.
Not only that, but snoring can also be significantly REDUCED by taking full advantage of the invigorating vapours from your own personal steam room.
Scientific Evidence
Research studies have shown that steam showers can have a SIGNIFICANTLY impact on sleep quality.
In one study, participants who used a steam shower BEFORE bedtime reported falling asleep faster, sleeping more deeply, and waking up feeling more rested than those who did not use a steam shower [1].
Another study found that steam therapy effectively reduced the symptoms of obstructive SLEEP APNEA, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep [2].
A study in 2012 found a simple steam shower can improve circulation (and, therefore, heart health) by boosting blood flow throughout the body [3]. These improved circulation benefits may extend to other areas, such as the brain and lungs – aiding in better sleep quality.
How Do Steam Showers Compare?
While other sleep aids may come with side effects and even the risk of addiction, steam showers provide an all-natural, non-invasive ALTERNATIVE. They are safe to use on a regular basis without fear of any negative repercussions.
Furthermore, steam showers can be COMBINED with sleep-boosting tactics like aromatherapy and meditation to fashion a tranquil space perfect for improved sleep quality.
Overall, the impact of steam showers on sleep can be significant. By promoting RELAXATION and improving breathing, steam showers can help to improve the quality of your sleep and promote overall wellness.
How To Use A Steam Shower For Sleep Improvement
If you're looking to use a steam shower to improve your sleep, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure you get the maximum health benefits:
- Set the temperature and time: Start by setting the temperature and time to your desired level. A temperature between 110-115°F (43-46°C) and a duration of 15-20 minutes is typically recommended for maximum benefits to increase core body temperature.
- Hydrate: It's important to drink water before and after your steam bath to stay hydrated. This will also help to replenish any fluids lost through sweating during the shower.
- Relax: Take the time to relax during the steam shower fully. Sit on the built-in seat or bench and focus on your breathing. This will help to reduce stress and promote relaxation; anxiety at bedtime has been associated negatively with the amount of slow-wave sleep.
When it comes to frequency, it's recommended to use a steam shower no more than once a day. Using it too frequently can lead to dehydration or other health issues. It's important to also take precautions before using a steam shower:
- Check with your doctor: If you have any health conditions or concerns, it's important to check with your doctor before using a steam shower.
- Monitor your time: Keep track of your time in the steam shower to avoid overheating or dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol: It's important to avoid alcohol before and after using a steam shower as it can dehydrate you and make it harder to regulate your body temperature.
Following these tips and precautions, you can use a steam shower to help you have a good night's sleep and promote overall wellness.
Conclusion
Ultimately, steam showers can be a gentle and safe way to improve the quality of your sleep by reducing stress, clearing tension, and calming breathing. To get optimal results, simply adhere to suggested time frames and frequency rules while taking proper safety measures before use.
Steam showers are definitely worth considering for those seeking a better quality of sleep. Investigating the long-term effects and potential benefits for people with sleeping conditions should be explored to determine the efficacy of this method further. Rest assured; steam showers could help you get more Z's.
To improve your mental and physical health, as well as the quality of your sleep, why not try adding a steam shower session to your nightly routine?
Sources -
- Do Cold Showers Help You Get More Sleep? | Sleep Foundation. Sleep Foundation. Published August 20, 2021. Accessed March 5, 2023. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/shower-before-bed
- Spicuzza L, Caruso D, Di Maria G. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and its management. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease. 2015;6(5):273-285. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2040622315590318
- Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;2018:1-30. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1857413
Content editor, marketer and product tester. A regular contributor for the ‘Home And Garden’ and Modern Homes Magazines, now part of a close-knit team, I oversee all the content on Posh. All roads have led to this job which I love. I get to focus on my love of interior design and health and work with a fabulous team. The role brings me a good level of freedom to my family and me and keeps me productive
