This TikTok Showering Trend Might Actually Work

The Trend: Plenty of things are better in the dark, like fireworks displays and movie theaters. (That wasn’t what you were thinking?) Add showering to that list. Dark showering is one of TikTok’s most recent wellness trends, and it could actually improve your sleep.

What People Are Saying: Dark showering is just as its name implies: taking a shower in the dark (or by candlelight or glowy spa lamp for ambience, in keeping with the trend). The practice has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine, used as an end-of-day opposite of the wake-you-up morning shower. Research supports it, too. A warm shower or bath about an hour before bed can lower cortisol, which is necessary for good sleep. The drop in body temperature moving from a warm shower to a cooler bedroom cues the brain to sleep. The nighttime darkness helps the circadian rhythm operate properly and encourages melatonin production to zonk us out.

What to Know: TikTok trends are hit-or-miss, but dark showering is a solid addition to your sleep routine that can really work. It contains two components that are already well known to improve sleep and wash away the day’s stress. (Just be careful not to trip.)