Taking a shower with the lights off is recently becoming a new well-being trend in the U.S. Experts explain that reducing visual stimulation puts the brain in a rest mode, alleviating anxiety. According to a Fox News report in the U.S., the well-being trend of “dark showers” is spreading on social media. It literally means turning off the bathroom lights at night or taking a shower with the light as dark as possible.
“Light has a powerful effect on the brain,” explained Dr. Daniel Eamen, founder and psychiatrist of the Eamen Clinic in California.
Bright and blue light raise cortisol, an arousal hormone, and lower melatonin, a sleep hormone, to wake the body up.
On the other hand, turning off the lights activates the parasympathetic nervous system by receiving signals from the dark environment, and the body naturally switches to rest and recovery mode, Dr. Aymen explained.
“Think that dimming the light lowers the ‘threat radar’ of the brain,” Dr. Eamen said. “If visual stimulation decreases, the activity of the brain region responsible for stress response can decrease, returning to a calmer and more stable state.”
He also advised, “The habit of lowering the light or using red and orange lights from an hour before bedtime helps you sleep well.”
He added that if you keep your smartphone away in the shower and minimize sensory stimulation with lavender and fragrance oil, cool temperatures of about 18-20 degrees, and soft towels, the effect doubles.
In particular, Dr. Eamonn emphasized that “dark showers” can help those who suffer from anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and insomnia.
“This dark sensory consciousness gives you a passive and physical stability rather than meditation,” he said. “It is also suitable for people who have severe anxiety and have difficulty trying meditation.”
However, people with trauma or depression advised that dark environments can cause anxiety, so it is better to supplement it with calm music, soft lighting, and fragrant aroma.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
