Is it better to shower in the morning or at night?

Question

For the longest time, I’ve been struggling with this—is it better to shower in the morning or at night? I used to be a strict morning shower person because it helped wake me up and made me feel fresh for the day. But recently, I started showering at night because I feel like it helps me sleep better and wash away all the dirt from the day. Now I’m confused about what’s actually healthier.

When I shower in the morning, I do feel more energized, but my skin feels a little dry afterward, especially on colder days. Also, sometimes, I still feel kinda sluggish even after showering. Could that mean I’m not doing it at the right time or using the wrong water temperature?

On the other hand, when I shower at night, I definitely feel relaxed, but weirdly, I sometimes wake up feeling more tired. I also heard that showering late at night can disturb circulation and even digestion, which got me thinking—am I making things worse for my body?

I recently read that Ayurveda has specific recommendations for when to bathe, depending on body type or dosha. I don’t know my dosha, but does that mean is it better to shower in the morning or at night is different for different people? And does the season or climate play a role in deciding the best time?

I really want to figure this out—is it better to shower in the morning or at night for overall health? Is there an ideal time based on Ayurveda, and does the temperature of the water matter? And what if someone showers twice a day—is that too much?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

The decision of whether it's better to shower in the morning or at night really depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and even your dosha according to Ayurveda. Morning showers are great for waking up, refreshing your body, and energizing you for the day ahead. However, they can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry, especially if you use hot water or if it's cold outside. To prevent dryness, you could try showering with lukewarm water and following up with a good moisturizer to lock in moisture. Night showers, on the other hand, help wash away the day's dirt, sweat, and pollutants, which can help you relax and prepare for sleep. But, as you mentioned, if showering too late causes tiredness or affects circulation, it could be due to your body’s response to the timing or water temperature. Ayurveda suggests that the best time to shower depends on your dosha and the time of day. For example, Vata doshas often benefit from morning showers to boost energy, while Pitta doshas may prefer evening showers to calm down before bed. Additionally, the season plays a role—hot weather may make morning showers more appealing, while in cold weather, a warm shower before bed can help you wind down. As for showering twice a day, Ayurveda generally recommends that you listen to your body. If you’re not feeling over-exhausted or dry, it’s fine, but it’s important to avoid hot water and harsh products that could strip your skin of its natural oils. Ultimately, whether you shower in the morning or at night comes down to your body’s rhythm, preferences, and how your skin and mind respond to the routine.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Whether it’s better to shower in the morning or at night depends on your body type, lifestyle, and health needs. Morning showers are great for boosting alertness, circulation, and metabolism, making them ideal if you feel sluggish in the morning (common for Kapha dosha). However, they can sometimes dry out the skin, especially in colder weather. Night showers, on the other hand, help relax the body, wash off sweat and dirt, and promote better sleep, making them ideal for Vata and Pitta types. However, showering too late at night or using very hot water may disturb circulation and digestion.

Ayurveda recommends adjusting your shower routine based on your dosha, season, and personal needs. If you shower in the morning but feel sluggish, try using lukewarm or slightly cool water. If you prefer night showers, avoid showering right after eating to prevent digestive issues. Showering twice a day is fine if you use gentle water temperatures and moisturize properly.

Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? - #17717

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions