The quickened pace of life has made many people constantly busy, and taking a bath has become an important daily activity. It not only helps us clean but also aids in relaxing our tense bodies and minds. However, there is a saying in society, “Three baths and life is thinner than paper,” suggesting that bathing might affect health or even life. Next, we will discuss the best time to bathe and the potential harm to the body by bathing at inappropriate times through a real case.
Mr. Zhang, a professional, worked late into the night before returning home to alleviate the day’s fatigue with a bath. Regrettably, during a late-night bath, he suddenly felt dizzy and nearly fainted in the bathroom. Fortunately, his family rescued him in time and took him to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed that his fainting was related to the inappropriate timing of the bath, prompting us to consider the proper timing for bathing.
During her regular clinic, Dr. Li saw Mrs. Wang, a patient who exhibited discomfort after bathing. Mrs. Wang had a habit of bathing immediately after eating, but she repeatedly experienced feelings of palpitations and shortness of breath. Dr. Li advised that bathing right after dinner may not be suitable, especially for those at risk for cardiovascular diseases, as bathing can increase blood circulation and heart load.
In response to the folk saying, “Three baths and life is thinner than paper,” Dr. Li believes it is exaggerated. However, indeed, there are three periods when bathing is not recommended:
- Bathing immediately after eating: Digestion after a meal requires blood support. Bathing during this time may cause blood to divert to the skin and muscles, affecting digestion, and leading to digestive system issues.
- Bathing immediately after drinking alcohol: Alcohol causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure. Bathing can enhance this effect, potentially causing dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting.
- Bathing immediately before going to bed: Although bathing can relax the body and mind, it raises body temperature, affecting sleep. It is recommended to bathe 1-2 hours before bedtime so that body temperature can return to normal and contribute to deep sleep.
Inappropriate bathing times can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness, with significant risks for cardiovascular or hypertensive patients, potentially leading to severe health problems like heart disease or stroke. Improper bathing habits might also interfere with sleep, cause fatigue, and result in a lack of concentration.
To maintain health, choosing the appropriate time to bathe is particularly important.
Generally speaking, one to two hours after eating, a certain period after drinking, and one to two hours before bedtime are considered suitable times for bathing.We can conclude that even though bathing is a common daily activity, it actually involves many health-related considerations.“By paying attention to the small details in life, health is found in the little things.”
