“Stroke During Nighttime Bathing” is a topic of great concern among many young individuals nowadays. Due to the nature of their work or personal preferences, a significant number of people tend to take showers very late at night or before going to bed. This behavior can pose various health risks, including the risk of stroke. So, what are the causes of stroke during bathing, and how can it be prevented? Let’s explore the details in the following article.
Why is bathing at night prone to stroke?
A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or interrupted. This deprivation of oxygen and essential nutrients leads to the death of brain cells within a short period. Therefore, individuals who experience a stroke while bathing have a high risk of mortality if not promptly treated and given emergency care.
In reality, not every nighttime or cold shower will result in a stroke, but it is a factor that can impact overall health and increase the risk of stroke. Taking a shower at night with inappropriate water temperature rapidly changes the body’s state and temperature, causing blood vessels to constrict and affecting blood flow to the brain or heat dissipation. This can lead to lung diseases, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, or even stroke.
Taking showers at night can have negative impacts on overall health.
Causes of Stroke During Bathing
Providing a specific explanation for why bathing at night can increase the risk of stroke, experts point out several contributing factors:
Bathing when the body is excessively fatigued
Many individuals believe that taking a shower while feeling tired can help them feel more refreshed and alert. However, this is a misconception, as fatigue reduces blood circulation and overall blood flow. Taking a warm shower can easily dilate blood vessels, leading to cardiac insufficiency, while bathing with cold water can cause vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of catching a cold and experiencing a stroke during bathing, which can have severe consequences for one’s life.
Taking late-night showers when tired or sick can increase the risk of stroke.
Stroke during bathing in the presence of underlying medical conditions
According to experts, individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cerebral ischemia, cardiovascular disease, or kidney failure are more susceptible to changes in blood circulation during bathing. The health of individuals with underlying conditions is often fragile, and bathing at night can increase their risk of stroke compared to those who are healthy.
In addition, bathing late at night can cause cerebral blood vessels to dilate, resulting in fatigue and pain. This creates favorable conditions for the development of acute illnesses in individuals who already have pre-existing conditions.
Stroke due to temperature fluctuations during bathing
In countries such as Europe and some temperate countries like South Korea and Japan, the number of stroke cases significantly increases during the cold season compared to the hot season. This indicates that sudden temperature changes directly affect the body and increase the risk of stroke.
A study has shown that when there is a temperature difference of more than 5 degrees Celsius between the body temperature and the environment, the body can experience heat shock. It is advised to set the water temperature for bathing between 24-29 degrees Celsius to ensure safety and protect one’s health.
It is not advisable to take excessively hot or cold showers late at night.
Habits That Can Increase the Risk of Stroke During Bathing
You may not be aware, but certain habits such as urinating before bathing can stimulate the nerves and increase pressure on the abdominal region. This can lead to tension in the body’s circulation before bathing, resulting in potentially dangerous health effects, including stroke.
Furthermore, many individuals have the habit of pouring cold water from the top of their heads while bathing, causing a sudden change in temperature. This is an unhealthy practice that can generate pressure and potentially rupture capillaries and arteries in the head. Therefore, when bathing, it is advisable to wet the hands and feet first with lukewarm water to allow the body to gradually adapt to the temperature change.
Bathing after consuming alcohol
According to recommendations from the Ministry of Health, it is strongly advised not to bathe immediately after using any stimulants, including bathing with warm water. After consuming alcohol, body temperature rises, alcohol concentration in the blood is high, and blood vessels are dilated.
Alcohol also inhibits liver function, leading to a decrease in glucose levels in the body when bathing. Therefore, if you have consumed alcohol and still have residual stimulants in your system when you take a bath, it can cause dizziness, and in severe cases, a significantly increased risk of stroke.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of stroke when taking showers at night.
Bathing excessively long at night
Many individuals, especially women, have the habit of soaking in the bathtub for extended periods, often exceeding 20 minutes or even close to an hour, even when bathing late at night. However, this can cause excessive water loss from the skin, leading to unstable heart rate and an increased risk of stroke during the night.
Other Contributing Factors
In addition to the aforementioned causes of stroke related to bathing at night, there are other factors that can increase the risk of stroke, such as engaging in intense physical activity while sweating, turning on air conditioning at low temperatures after bathing, going to bed with wet hair, or bathing when the body is overly full.
Recommendations to Minimize the Risk of Stroke During Nighttime Bathing
Stroke is a concerning health issue worldwide. Whether you are in good health or have an underlying condition, bathing at night carries hidden risks. To prevent stroke during bathing, experts advise paying attention to the following aspects:
Limit taking showers too late in the evening.
Establish the habit of bathing early: The optimal bathing time is before 10 p.m. every day. Regardless of your age, it is important to avoid bathing late at night. After bathing, make sure to dry your hair before going to bed to prevent catching a cold.
Avoid bathing immediately after eating: After a meal, the digestive system becomes active to process the food consumed. Bathing during this time can disrupt the body’s balance, diverting blood circulation to other parts of the body and affecting the digestion process.
Avoid direct water pouring onto the body: When bathing late at night, it is crucial not to suddenly pour water from the top of your head down to your body, especially cold water. To prevent thermal shock, gradually wet your feet and hands first, then proceed to wet your entire body and head.
Refrain from bathing immediately after exercise: Many individuals engage in physical activities, such as walking or participating in sports, in the evening. Bathing right after intense exercise can cause pore blockages, leading to sensitivity to cold and an increased risk of stroke. Instead, wait for at least 30 minutes for the body to cool down and dry off before taking a bath.
Bath in a secluded space: If bathing at night is necessary, make sure to do so in a closed bathroom to avoid drafts.
Maintain a balanced lifestyle: In the evening, avoid overeating, consuming greasy and hard-to-digest foods, and excessive alcohol consumption. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible meals and avoid going to bed on an empty stomach.
We hope that the aforementioned recommendations help you understand the negative impacts of bathing late at night on your health. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of catching a cold and experiencing a stroke during nighttime bathing. To protect your well-being, don’t forget to cultivate a healthy lifestyle to enhance your overall health and longevity.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
