#MorningShower vs. #NightShower: Which is More Hygienic?

1. The Eternal Debate: "Morning or Night Shower?"

"I can't start my day without a shower," or "I can't get into bed without washing off the day's grime."
This debate frequently goes viral on social media. Which side are you on?

A column by a microbiologist published on the UK news site The Independent offers a rather clear answer to this endless battle. In short, the conclusion is——"In terms of hygiene, morning showers have a slight edge."The Independent

That said, this doesn't mean "no more night showers from now on!" This article combines scientific perspectives with real voices from social media to explore

• why morning showers are "slightly" advantageous

• reasons why night showers are still important

• recommended shower plans based on lifestyle

to organize these thoughts.

2. Microbiologist Recommends "Morning Showers"

The article in The Independent was written by Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiology lecturer at the University of Leicester. She compares morning and night showers and declares herself a **dedicated "morning person."**The Independent

The reason is simple: "we get quite 'dirty' even while we sleep."

• We sweat during sleep

• Sebum and dead skin cells shed

• Skin bacteria (especially those causing odor) feed on these and multiply

Moreover, all these transfer to sheets and pillowcases.

When we wake up, our bodies and beds have completed an "invisible dirt exchange" with sweat, sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells that feed mites.Sleep Foundation

In this state,

• getting dressed and heading to work

• sweating in a crowded train

• spending the day in a jacket

This scenario is a "party time" for odor-causing bacteria.
Freestone advocates for morning showers because they allow you to reset sweat, bacteria, and sebum accumulated overnight before starting your day.

3. The "Weakness" of Night Showers: Bed Linen Maintenance

"So, are night showers bad?" Of course not.

The biggest advantage of showering at night is

• removing outdoor dirt (exhaust fumes, PM2.5, etc.)

• pollen and dust

• residual sunscreen and makeup

• the day's sweat and sebum

so you don't bring them into bed. This is crucial for those with skin issues or allergies.Health

However, Freestone points out that even if you shower at night, if you don't wash your bed linen regularly, your bed becomes a "breeding ground for bacteria."The Independent

• supplying new sweat and dead skin cells to the sheets every night

• mites, mold, and odor-causing bacteria proliferate

• and you spend the night rubbing your face and body against them

Just imagining it is a bit unsettling, isn't it?

Medical institutions and sleep-related expert sites recommend washing sheets about once a week. For those who sweat a lot, sleep with pets, or have allergies, washing every 3-4 days is advised.Cleveland Clinic

It's not that night showers are "meaningless," but rather that "night showers + poor bed maintenance" is the issue.

4. Why Morning Showers Are Strong for "Odor Control"

The strength of morning showers lies in daytime body odor control.

Our sweat is almost odorless, but skin bacteria that feed on sweat produce strong-smelling substances (such as sulfur-containing compounds).The Independent

• Sweat + bacteria + sebum accumulate while sleeping

• In the morning, "odor precursors" are already on the skin

• You dress and head to work or school

• Sweat is added due to the heat of crowded trains or meeting rooms

Here, if you take a morning shower,

• you can reset the bacteria and sweat accumulated overnight

• use deodorant on clean skin

• and only have to deal with "today's sweat."

In other words, it's like "resetting to the starting line of odor."

Additionally, dermatologists cite the benefits of morning showers as

• improving wakefulness and promoting circulation

• resetting drowsiness and fatigue, making it easier to switch to work mode

• refreshing a face swollen from night sweats

These points are also highlighted.Health

On social media, the theory of "morning shower = battle mode"

On X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, in Japan as well,

"I feel like my work efficiency drops by 20% on days I don't take a morning shower."
"Even if I bathe at night, I can't 'switch on as a person' without showering again in the morning."

Such "mental energy" comments are prominent.

While not scientifically proven,
**"a morning shower as one's own 'battle routine'"** might positively impact concentration and mood.

5. Reasons Why Night Showers Are Still Indispensable

So, can we say, "Everyone should switch to morning showers immediately!"? It's not that simple.

Many dermatologists highlight the following strengths of night showers/baths:Health

• removing pollen and air pollutants attached during outings

• thoroughly washing off sunscreen, makeup, and hair products

• warming the body before cooling it down to facilitate sleep

• protecting the room and bed from "external dirt"

From those with allergies, on social media,

"I have hay fever, so if I don't shower and wash my hair at night, I can't sleep because of a stuffy nose."
"My child has mild atopic dermatitis, so we bathe immediately after returning from daycare."

Such voices are common, and in Japan's living environment (pollen, yellow dust, PM2.5), the importance of night showers is quite high.

6. Science Reveals the "Real Star" is Sheets and Pillowcases

By now, things are becoming clearer.

• Night: Time to remove dirt brought home from outside

• Morning: Time to remove dirt accumulated after a night in bed

And the "hidden boss" involved in both is the hygiene management of bed linen.

Summarizing information from various experts and institutions, the general guideline for sheets and pillowcases is as follows:The Independent

• Standard: Wash once a week

• For those who sweat easily, sleep with pets, or have allergies:Every 3-4 days

• Using hot water (around 60°C) is effective for removing mites and bacteria

Freestone warns that neglecting sheets can

• increase mite droppings and carcasses, worsening asthma and allergies

• mold (which can affect the lungs in some cases) can also increase

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