Once the temperature begins to rise, taking a long warm soak in a bubble bath probably sounds pretty unthinkable to many, with such luxuries more associated with cosy winter nights in.
However, one bathroom expert has praised hot baths for being a far more effective method of cooling down than a "counterproductive" cold shower.
Although not exactly tempting during a heatwave, this expert controversially advises pouring yourself a steaming bath when the sun comes out, hailing this as one of the simplest ways to lower your body temperature.
As many people know all too well, soaring temperatures can play havoc with your sleep cycle, meaning this could well be the perfect solution for getting a bit of shut-eye this week.
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Dominic Lees-Bell from luxury bathroom supplier Drench.co.uk said: “We recommend taking a hot bath to cool down during a heatwave.
"Many look at buying expensive fans or freezing hot water bottles, but one of the simplest ways to cool down is to actually take a hot bath”
Lees-Bell also cautioned against taking a cold bath or shower in the heat, explaining: “Taking a cold shower or bath can actually be counterproductive as when our body is submerged in extremely cold conditions it tries to regulate our core temperature.
"This means you could actually feel hotter than you did before you tried to cool down. By taking a hot bath we are able to drop our body temperature as it stimulates our body's thermoregulatory system.
"This increases the circulation of blood throughout our body and results in the removal of body heat and therefore a decreased body temperature.”
Previous research from the National Sleep Foundation would suggest this method works well in heatwaves, with an online guide advising some individuals “do better taking hot showers and hot baths when the room temperature is very high.”
A person's body temperature is at its lowest during sleep, and so, according to the US National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, a hot bath is an excellent idea before hitting the hay in the summertime.
This is because “the drop in body temperature after the bath may help you feel sleepy, and the bath can help you relax", making for a more restful night.
Have you found an inventive way to deal with the heat? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
