The Great Morning Vs. Night Shower Debate
I was going to start this blog with something like…
THE GREAT DEBATE
A DEBATE THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TO FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL. A DEBATE THAT DIVIDES COMMUNITIES. A DEBATE ALMOST AS DIVIDED AS THE LANCASTERS AND THE YORKS. THE CAPULETS AND MONTAGUES.
Why I decided to exclusively use comparisons related to European feudalism? I’m not sure.
But to be quite honest, it would all just be theatrics. Because where’s the debate?
Evening showers are, have always been and always will be — superior.
It’s even backed up by science.
One — Dermatologists say it’s better for your skin. Every time we exit our homes, we’re revealing our skin to the pollution, dirt and germs of the outside world. Gross, don’t bring that into your bed.
Plus, if you have allergies, it’s great to wash all that pollen off before you head to sleep.
It’s also said that showering at night can help you fall asleep faster by raising your body temperature just for it to lower more quickly. This somehow positively affects your circadian rhythm.
I don’t know exactly how. Don’t ask me, but science doesn’t lie and it’s on my side.
I called on some of my morning showerer friends to weigh in on the “debate” because as the master arguer I am — it’s my job to know and understand the philosophies of the other side.
The number one explanation I received is that it relieves bedhead, especially for my curly-haired friends. Okay, while I don’t have curly hair, I completely understand this. But also as someone who doesn’t use heat and goes the air-dry route — showering during chilly winter mornings can be brutal and don’t get me started on the early day humidity of Southern summers. Could you not just use a spray bottle to style your hair instead of showering? So BOOM. Argument argued.
There was also a lot of talk of it being a refreshing start to the day. I can’t deny this one, a morning shower is definitely invigorating and can help lead to more productivity. But at least for me, once I’m clean, I want to stay clean. If I were a morning showerer and got invited on a trail walk at around 2 p.m. I wouldn’t want to go because then I’d have to shower again. I guess people who work out in the morning essentially have to shower in the morning. Public service announcement: please don’t go throughout your entire day in your sweaty workout gear. But they should also shower again later. Because, as I said, the outside world is gross and more can get you dirty than a run or yoga class. I go to the grocery store for five minutes and still don’t feel comfortable jumping into bed after. BOOM again. Argument argued.
I’ll put this simply. Shower at night. Don’t spend up to eight hours every night getting up close and personal with your day’s dirt and grime.
I guess I don’t have anything against those who shower in the morning. But please tell me you at least rinse off before getting into bed. Oh and don’t forget to clean your sheets.
Although I suppose some people will pick apart my entire argument because, guess what? I prefer baths over showers…
Do with that information what you will.