Check out this answer from Consensus:
The frequency and type of showering can vary based on individual needs and specific circumstances. Cold showers may reduce sickness absence and improve overall health, while warm showers can enhance sleep quality and provide comfort during labor. Preoperative showers with antiseptic cleansers are crucial for reducing infection risks. Therefore, while daily showering is common, adjusting the frequency and type of shower based on personal and situational needs can offer additional health benefits.
Showering is a daily routine for many, but how often should you actually shower? The answer depends on various factors including health benefits, personal hygiene, and specific circumstances such as labor or preoperative conditions. This article explores the findings from several research studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the optimal showering frequency.
Health Benefits of Showering
Cold Showers and Health
A study investigated the effects of routine cold showers on health and work productivity. Participants who took (hot-to-) cold showers for 30, 60, or 90 seconds over 30 consecutive days reported a 29% reduction in sickness absence compared to a control group. However, there was no significant difference in the number of illness days between the groups. This suggests that cold showers may enhance overall health and reduce the likelihood of taking sick leave, even if they do not necessarily prevent illness1.
Warm Showers and Sleep
For athletes, particularly youth soccer players, a warm shower before bedtime can improve sleep quality. A study found that a 10-minute shower at approximately 40°C before lights out increased distal skin temperature and reduced sleep onset latency by an average of 7 minutes. Additionally, sleep efficiency improved by 2%. This indicates that warm showers can be a practical strategy to enhance sleep quality, especially for those with demanding physical routines4.
Showering in Specific Circumstances
Labor
Therapeutic showering has been shown to be beneficial during labor. A study comparing women who showered for 30 minutes during active labor to those who received usual care found significant reductions in pain, discomfort, anxiety, and tension among the showering group. These women also reported increased relaxation, suggesting that therapeutic showering can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention to support women during labor2.
Preoperative Showers
Preoperative showers with antiseptic skin cleansers can significantly reduce staphylococcal skin colonization. A study comparing chlorhexidine gluconate, povidone-iodine, and lotion soap found that chlorhexidine was the most effective in reducing staphylococcal colony counts when used both the evening before and the morning of the procedure. This highlights the importance of preoperative showers in reducing the risk of postoperative infections3.