Some can’t start the day without a refreshing rinse, while others prefer washing off the day before slipping under the sheets.
According to Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, science does have an answer, though your laundry habits might matter more than you think.
Why showering matters
No matter when you step under the water, showering is essential for good hygiene.
It removes sweat, oils, and dirt that collect on your skin, helping prevent irritation, rashes, and unpleasant odors.
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Interestingly, sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. The odor we associate with it comes from bacteria living on the skin, especially staphylococci, that feed on sweat and release sulfur-based compounds called thioalcohols.
Those are what give that sharp “sweaty” scent.
Evening showers
Throughout the day, your body and hair accumulate dust, allergens, and pollutants, along with natural oils and perspiration.
Some of this ends up on your clothes, but a good portion settles into your bedding.
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Taking a shower before bed can wash away many of these irritants, keeping your sheets cleaner for longer.
But there’s a catch, the benefit disappears if your bedding isn’t washed regularly.
Microbes that thrive in sheets and pillowcases can easily transfer back to your skin overnight.
Even a spotless body won’t stay that way for long while you sleep.
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You’ll still sweat and shed dead skin cells, both of which become food for dust mites.
If you don’t change your sheets weekly, these mites multiply, and their waste can trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms.
Morning showers
A morning rinse has its own advantages. Overnight, sweat, oil, and bacteria build up on the skin, especially if your bedding hasn’t been freshly laundered.
A shower helps remove that layer, leaving you clean, refreshed, and less prone to body odor throughout the day.
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Freestone argues that showering in the morning is generally the healthier option.
It ensures your skin is clean before you put on fresh clothes and gives you an energetic start to the day.
What is the best time to take a shower?
Ultimately, the timing matters less than your routine.
Whether you’re a night bather or a morning riser, the real secret to staying clean and healthy lies in how often you wash your sheets.
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Experts recommend changing your bedding at least once a week to remove sweat, oils, and dead skin that accumulate in the fabric.
This also helps prevent fungi and bacteria from growing, keeping both your skin and your sleep environment in better shape.
Source: Videnskab.dk, and The Conversation.