More and more young people are taking showers in the dark. They say it helps them relieve stress and sleep better. This is not just another social media fad, but a method with real scientific and historical justification.
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Today, the internet is flooded with all sorts of trends related to health, beauty, and well-being. But while most such "recommendations" from social media turn out to be complete nonsense or just a marketing ploy, this particular craze has unexpectedly found a perfectly logical explanation from specialists. We are talking about the so-called "dark shower," which is becoming increasingly popular among young people.
The idea is maximally simple but has its nuances: instead of standing under bright lamps, you shower in dim light or in complete absence of artificial lighting. Moreover, it is noted that young people take showers this way specifically in the evening — to divide the day into "active" and "calm" phases.
For a generation that spends all day in front of gadget screens, bright overhead light in the evening is irritating. TikTok users compare the effect to an expensive spa or deep meditation.
This idea is actively welcomed not only by ecologists (for electricity saving) but also by medical professionals. Studies have shown that taking a warm shower or bath before bed can indeed help improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
As experts explain, several biological mechanisms are at play here. Firstly, warm water contributes to the decrease of the body's core temperature after exiting the shower, which is an important signal for the body: it's time to sleep. Secondly, dim light (or complete darkness) stimulates the production of melatonin — the main sleep hormone. Ordinary bright lamps in the bathroom, on the contrary, trick our brain into thinking it's still daytime, thereby disrupting natural biorhythms.
However, the benefits of a "dark shower" are not limited to physiology alone. Experts draw attention to the meditative aspect of the process: being in darkness or dim light promotes relaxation through conscious enjoyment of the experience itself. This helps psychologically disconnect from daily worries before sleep.
To take this home ritual to a new level and transform the bathroom into a true spa center, specialists recommend engaging other senses. For example, adding calming essential oils like lavender to your shower gel or using them separately — this will enhance sensory impressions and deepen relaxation.
someone on tiktok said that you should shower in the dark & it’s so therapeutic
Sound accompaniment also plays an important role. Quiet, calming music can help soothe the mind, although for many, the simple sound of water will be enough for complete peace. The main rule here is to avoid energetic rhythms: you shouldn't sing along to old hits by Aliaksei Khliastou or hold concerts in the shower if your goal is quality relaxation.
Interestingly, this modern trend has very deep historical roots. Taking a "dark shower" is essentially a repetition of ancient rituals of mindful ablution.
However, it is important to remember safety precautions. A "dark shower" should not turn into a survival quest. To avoid slipping, there should be at least one weak light source in the room, such as a candle in a safe place.
Nevertheless, specialists make an important remark: showering in dim light will not solve serious or chronic insomnia problems on its own, but it can become a useful part of a pre-sleep relaxation ritual.
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